Where do birds fly in the winter?

These birds are common in the southern U.S. in winter, even though most of their relatives fly to the tropics. Other birds from northern backyards, including house wrens, gray catbirds and brown thrashers, also stay through the winter in the American South. Mexico and Central America. read more

Surprising numbers of birds fly all the way to South America. For some, the continent is just the edge of a broad winter range. Some rose-breasted grosbeaks, for instance, spend the winter in Mexico, while others go all the way to Ecuador. read more

Other birds that eat seeds or bugs that live under tree bark often hang around, since they can continue to find food all winter long. While some birds instinctively migrate at certain times of the year, scientists believe birds won't fly south without specific environmental cues, the reason being lack of food. read more

All birds, except maybe house finches, who have a supply of food, will fly south of the equator. This is because they have a better supply of food there. Due to the difference in weather, snow, rain, below freezing, many birds leave the area. read more