The legislative definition of Migratory Birds are species that in the course of their annual Migratory

birds are some of nature’s most magnificent creatures, playing significant ecological, economic, and

cultural roles in the U.S. and internationally. Neotropical migratory birds, sometimes called nearctic-

neotropical migrants, are those species that nest in the United States and Canada ("nearctic" region)

and migrate south to the tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean

("neotropics") for the winter. Migration is predicated primarily upon food resources. Since most

insects become unavailable during our harsh winters, insect-eating birds find abundant food resources

in the tropics. Many raptor species also follow this migrating food chain. Over half of all bird species

nesting in the US are classified as neotropical migratory birds. Some or all of the populations of 338

species—which include many of our songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, waterbirds and shorebirds—

migrate each fall to the tropics.

migration traverse certain parts of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia, or Japan. This includes

not only neotropical (long-distance) migrants, but also temperate (short-distance) migrants and

resident species. Migratory birds may be at risk due to lack of adequate protection during the nesting

season or while on their way to and from their breeding grounds.

The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus Gabula) stands about 6.5 inches high. Also the

Baltimore Oriole has a quite sharply pointed bill. The male has a black

head, back, and wings. The tail is also black on the Baltimore Oriole. It has

orange underpants, tips, and rump. The Baltimore Oriole male has a white wing

bar and edges. The female Baltimore Oriole is totally different though, because

the female has brownish-gray and dull yellow upper- parts. The female has an

orange breast. a gray belly and two wing bars. The immature male is similar to

the Baltimore Oriole female grown up but is a brighter orange and it has

variable amounts of black on its head. The breeding habitat is deciduous

trees, lawns, and the open fields. The clutch size is about three to six eggs. The

length of incubation is about twelve to fourteen days. The days to fledge are

twelve to

fourteen days. The Baltimore Oriole eats mostly insects, but eats

lesser qualities of fruit nectar. In the summer, the Baltimore Oriole

lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, however in the winter it lives in the

southern parts of the United States of America and in Mexico. One

interesting fact about the Baltimore Oriole is that it was named by

Lord Baltimore, a 17th century English Man who founded the Maryland

colony and wore a cloak the colors of orange and black, the colors of

the Baltimore Oriole. The Baltimore Oriole is also the Maryland State

bird. I really like the Baltimore Oriole because of its vivid colors and

its unique body texture that is why I picked the Baltimore Oriole for

my bird.

The bird your about to hear about is the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. Its scientific name

is Pheucticus Ludovicianus. The song of the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. sounds like a whistling

noise. Its wingspan is 7.25 inches long. It has a large pale blue breast with a rosy-red patch.

The adult Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. has a rosy-red triangular breast patch, black head, white

under parts, white patches on its wings, white spots on a black tail, and rosy-red wing

linings. The immature Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. is similar to the adult but duller. A similar

species is the Plumaged Black Headed Grosbeak. the Plumaged Black Headed Grosbeak is

different because it has a buffier breast patch. The food source of the Rose-Breasted

Grosbeak. is mainly insects, fruit, seeds, and flowers. Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks live in

woodland areas. They build their nests in mid-story or canopy. The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.

has an open-cut nest. The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. builds its nest in the mid-story. The

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. Can lay up to 3 to 6 eggs at one time. It takes the Rose-Breasted

Grosbeak. 13 to 14 days for the eggs to hatch. It takes 9 to 12 days for the babies to leave the

nest. The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak migrates to Central America and northern South America

in the winter and returns to the northern United States and Canada in the summer. An

interesting fact about the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak is that it is very beneficial to farmers by

consuming many potato beetles.

The number of the winged guests has shown an

upward trend during the last five years, official

sources said. In 1997-98, 35499 migratory birds

were spotted in this wetland which increased to

43,933 next year. This number got doubled to 70,555

in 1999-2000 in comparison to 1997-98. The number

further incresed to 81,848 in 2000-2001 and touched

a high of 1,14,082 in 2001-2002 and last year

it crossed 1.5 lakh.

Humans have always been fascinated and inspired by the phenomenon of bird

migration. In ancient Greece the bird of Athena represented the renewal of life.

A dove, with an olive branch in its beak, returned to Noah's ark to announce the

end of the deadly flood. The dove has remained a symbol of peace and hope.

During the era of the Pharaohs in Egypt, the falcon had protective powers and

was linked to royalty. For the Native Americans birds had different

meanings, but always positive and linked to the concepts of

unity, freedom, community, safe return, love and celebration of life.

In dreams birds embody fantasy, ideas and thoughts. The image of a flying bird

is immediately connected with lightness and freedom, hence the expression

―free as a bird‖. Many people associate flocks of migrating birds in the typical

V-like alignment with the change of season, but also with

perfection, beauty and harmony. Until the 18th century people

believed that swallows sank in mires at the beginning of

autumn and appeared again as amphibians in the following

spring. And still today some parents mark their houses with

painted storks to indicate that a new baby has been born.

In almost all cultures, flocks of birds have announced the

arrival of spring for centuries, and the yearly rebirth of

nature associated with it. The social acceptance of birds as

messengers of life was accompanied by the knowledge that

migration had an important role to play in ecosystem

functioning.

Migratory birds are some of nature’s most magnificent creatures, playing significant

ecological, economic, and cultural roles in the U.S. and internationally. Neotropical migratory

birds, sometimes called nearctic-neotropical migrants, are those species that nest in the United States

and Canada ("nearctic" region) and migrate south to the tropical regions of Mexico, Central

America, South America, and the Caribbean ("neotropics") for the winter. Migration is predicated

primarily upon food resources. Since most insects become unavailable during our harsh

winters, insect-eating birds find abundant food resources in the tropics. Many raptor species also

follow this migrating food chain. Over half of all bird species nesting in the US are classified as

neotropical migratory birds. Some or all of the populations of 338 species—which include many of our

songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, waterbirds and shorebirds—migrate each fall to the tropics.

The legislative definition of Migratory Birds are species that in the course of their annual migration

traverse certain parts of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia, or Japan. This includes not only

neotropical (long-distance) migrants, but also temperate (short-distance) migrants and resident

species. Migratory birds may be at risk due to lack of adequate protection during the nesting season or

while on their way to and from their breeding grounds.

Indian subcontinent plays host to a number of migratory birds in summers as well as

winters. It is estimated that over hundred species of migratory birds fly to India, either in

search of feeding grounds or to escape the severe winter of their native habitat. The

numerous wildlife sanctuaries set up in the country serve as their temporary habitat. Bird

lovers from all over the country visit these sanctuaries to get a glimpse of some of the

rarest species of birds in the world. The beauty of the birds, combined with the splendor of

the natural environment provides the perfect setting for a nature lover.

Usually, birds start migrating towards other areas when they perceive the tailwind to be

favorable. However, once they start their migration journey, nothing can stop them, except

extremely bad weather. Many birds prefer to fly at a higher altitude while migrating. This is

because winds usually prevail at higher altitudes and at the same time, the cold temperature

at these altitudes helps them in diffusing the body heat, which is generated by their flight

muscles. The timing of the migration is usually a mixture of internal and external stimulus.

My bird is the Ovenbird. The scientific name of the Ovenbird is Seiurus Aurocapillus. It’s

identification marks are it’s size which is 5 ½ to 6 ½ inches tall. Olive-brown stripes cover

this bird’s back. A light orange patch on it’s head can only be seen at a close range. An adult

ovenbird has a white rung around it’s eye. On a young bird the tips of the tail feathers are a

rust color. Sparrows and Ground Dwelling Warblers are birds that resemble the

Ovenbird. Teach, teach, teacher is the song of the Ovenbird. Ovenbirds are found mostly in

the Eastern parts of North America. The Ovenbird eats mostly insects and plant

matter. Domed nests can be found on the ground or in deciduous and evergreen trees. A

nest is shaped like an old-fashion oven. An Ovenbird breeds from Central Canada South to

Northern Georgia. Ten days later the Ovenbirds will fledge. It takes 22 days for the eggs to

hatch. The Ovenbird lays 4 to 6 white eggs in a nest. I learned many interesting facts about

the Ovenbird. One fact is the Ovenbird is some times called the teacher bird. Another

interesting fact is the secret way they hide their nest on the ground. Researching the

Ovenbird was fun.

The Canada Goose is a great bird to research. It’s scientific name is Branta Canadensis. I like

learning about it because it stays here in the summer time from Canada. In the winter they

go to Florida in a V- shape. The color of it is a dark gray, brown and the neck is black with

white cheeks. The tail is white at the bottom and black at the tip. The length of it is 25 to 45

inches, and it weighs 6 to 9 pounds. The wing span is 4 to 9 feet. Similar species of the

Canada Goose are the Snow Goose and the Tundra Swan. In the winter the Canada Goose

lives in Florida where the weather is warm. However, in the spring of the year this migratory

bird moves to the Northern part of the country where it breeds. It builds it’s nest of muskrat

houses on tree stumps and in lakes and ponds. They build them close to other geese. The

Canada Goose eats grain, crops, grass and other vegetation,mollusks and crustaceans on

shores. The female lays 6 to 8 eggs in a nest. It takes 17 days for the eggs to hatch. After 42

days the young leave their nest. This is called fledging. These geese mate for life which

means they stay with the same partners until they die. The young babies are called

goslings. After doing much research on this interesting bird, I learned many interesting

facts. One fact is large geese honk while small geese cackle. The Canada Goose can be seen

flying in New York skies forming a V shape. I have enjoyed researching the Canada goose.

My bird is the Northern Pintail. The Northern Pintail lives in the United States and north. Its

scientific name is Anas Acuta. It is 18.5 inches tall. Its wingspan is 35 inches wide. The male

has brownish-blackish feathers with a white stripe down the middle. The birds neck is pure

white. Its bill is pure black, along with its tail. It also has a brownish –blackish head, too. The

female has a white stripe down middle , but the female has yellowish feathers. It also

orangish-yellowish head. The female also has a black bill and tail. Just like the male does. The

immature birds upper parts are brown and black, and it has white stripes on itsback. The

Northern Pintails habitat is near any kind of salt water. Like the ocean, sea or anything like

that. It nests in a grassy area near salt water and its nest is a bowl of flat grass. It is a

vegetarian with a diet of vegetables, grass, and seeds. The Northern Pintail breeds in the

central United States. It lays 6 to 9 olive eggs, in its bowl of flat grass. It takes the eggs 22

to 25 days to hatch into the new world. When the immature bird hatches from the egg, it

takes 36 to 57 days to leave their parents and their nest. An interesting fact about my bird is

that it burps to attract a female. Another interesting fact about my bird is that it got its

name by because it breeds in the north and it is a pintail. That’s why they call it the Northern Pintail.

The Black-Throated Green Warbler’s (Dendroica Virens) upper parts are olive green. The throat and sides of the

breast is black. The face is yellow. It has greenish cheeks. The female and immature bird has no black on the

throat or upper breast. The throat of the female and the immature bird sometimes has black spots on it. It

stands about 4 and a half inches tall. It has dark legs and a thin pointed beak. Some birds that resemble my bird

are the Hermit Warbler, Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black Burnian Warbler, Townsend Warbler, Cap May

Warbler, the Palm Warbler and the Magnolia Warbler. They resemble mine because they all have yellow faces

with black on them. It lives in the pine forests of central and southeastern Canada, and open stands of hemlock.

They are found in the United States near the Great Lakes, throughout New England and down through the

Appalachian Mountains, south to Georgia. It has been seen from Florida to Texas, south to northern South

America and in the West Indies. In the summer the Black –Throated Green Warbler lives in the Northwest

Territories, Ontario, Newfoundland, south to northern New Jersey, Long Island, Ohio, Minnesota, Alberta and in

the mountains of Georgia. Its nest is made out of grass, moss, plant fibers, hair, and feathers. My bird normally

eats insects and berries. It lays about 5 eggs that have speckled brown dots on them. It takes the baby

warblers 12 days to hatch. It takes of on flight 9 days after they are hatched. An interesting fact about the

Black-Throated Green Warbler is that it is the commonest warbler in migration. Another interesting fact is that

its distinctive song is easy to learn. ( zee- zee- zee-zoo-zee )

The name of my bird that I am researching is the Mallard duck. The

scientific name of this bird is Anas Platyrhynchos . It’s green head

usually gives it away. The male Mallard has a gray back, chestnut

breast, yellow bill, green head, gray flanks, and a white ring around

it’s neck. The habitat of the bird is

marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, and bays. It has a clucth size is 6-15

eggs, the length of incubation is 24-30 days and time until the babies

leave the nest is usually 42-60 days. It eats roots, wild

flowers, reeds, cat tails, duck weed, seeds, millet, rice, smart

weed, plants, and insects. It breeds on open water. It breeds in the

Northeastern United States. It flies from Texas to New York just to

mate. It is related to a bird that burps. It also nests in a tree while

only few ducks do.

My bird is the Common Merganser. It’s scientific name is Mergus Merganser. It has a

wingspan of 37 inches and a length of 18 inches. The male has a green head, which often

looks black, and a white breast, flanks, and belly. It has white sides and a red long pointed bill

with serrated edges to help catch slippery fish. The female has a gray body and brownish

crested head with a white throat and a well-defined white chin. It also has a sleek tapered

crest, which is more obvious on females than it is males. The Common Merganser eats

mostly fish but it eats smaller quantities of aquatic invertebrates. It nests in tree cavities or

on the ground near water. It sometimes will nest in an abandoned hawk’s nest. The Common

Merganser lives near wooded rivers and ponds. The Common Merganser is found in

Southeastern Alaska, Manitoba, and Newfoundland, South to Northern New

England, Michigan, and California. In the winter they are found in southern to northern

Mexico and sometimes in the Gulf coast. The Common Merganser breeds in wetlands and

open water. It’s clutch size ranges from 6 to 17 eggs. The length of incubation goes from 28

to 35 days. It takes 65 to 85 days to fledge. An interesting fact is that many Common

Mergansers were shot because it was thought that they destroyed valuable game fish. We

now understand that the Common Merganser is beneficial by helping to prevent

overpopulation of fish, which helps the surviving fish become greater in size.