Mochi Isle
Bird migration · Reed WetlandScience for kidsWhy do migrating birds fly so far?
In short: Migrating birds travel between breeding grounds, where they raise chicks, and wintering grounds with plenty of food, following the seasons. On long journeys they need safe wetlands and beaches where they can stop, rest and refuel.
How it works
Many birds go to their breeding grounds when food is plentiful and days are long, then lay eggs and raise chicks. When that place turns cold and food runs short, they fly somewhere warmer with more to eat. All year long, they are chasing the best season.
Long flights take huge amounts of energy. Before leaving, migrating birds eat and eat, storing energy as body fat, like filling a plane with fuel. Some fly the whole way without stopping, while others land at wetlands and mudflats along the route to feed and rest.
How do they find their way? Scientists think birds combine clues from the sun and stars, Earth's magnetic field and landmarks like coastlines and mountains. If a stopover site is filled in or polluted, birds may not find enough food to finish their journey.
Where to see it in New Zealand
Each spring, bar-tailed godwits, or kuaka, fly from Alaska across the Pacific to New Zealand without stopping, a journey of several days. They spend our summer on mudflats such as the Firth of Thames and Farewell Spit. In autumn they fly north, refuelling around the Yellow Sea before breeding in Alaska.
Try it together
With an adult, visit a harbour or estuary around high tide, when shorebirds crowd together to rest. Take binoculars, stay well back and count how many kinds you can see. Never chase or disturb them; they are saving energy for a long flight.
Kids also ask
Do migrating birds ever get lost?
Sometimes. Strong winds and storms can blow birds off course, especially young birds making their first trip. That is why birdwatchers occasionally spot a rare visitor far from where it normally goes.
Why shouldn't I disturb resting shorebirds?
Every time a bird is scared into the air, it burns precious energy that it needs for crossing oceans. Watching from a distance and keeping dogs on a lead really helps them.
Do other migrating birds visit New Zealand?
Yes. The pīpīwharauroa, or shining cuckoo, arrives in spring to breed here, then flies north to Pacific islands before winter. Some birds also migrate within New Zealand, from inland rivers to coastal harbours.
In the game, “Bird migration” is a nature card on Reed Wetland.
Your child finds this card by reaching the right place or meeting the right weather on the island, and lights it up by answering the question on the back. Tap the button below and the game shows your child which island it is on and how to find it. Mochi Isle is a browser learning game for ages 5 to 18; the main island and the daily lesson are free.
Find “Bird migration” on the island ↗ All cards from Reed Wetland