World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day has been celebrated twice a year since its inauguration in 2006. It takes place on the second Saturday of May and the second Saturday of October.

International Migratory Bird Day is to be celebrated on May 14, 2022. At least 4,000 different bird species migrate, accounting for roughly 40% of the avian population. They migrate for the sake of food. These birds go to warmer climates during the winter twice a year and then return to breed.

World Migratory Bird Day History

International Migratory Bird Day was commemorated in 2006 when the United Nations decided that the world's population needs to be made aware of the worldwide migratory linkages.

Since then, 118 countries have participated in and organised the event. The United Nations (UN) Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds envisioned this crucial WMBD.

International Migratory Bird Day was brought up as a part of the UN's agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds. Initially, though, the idea of raising awareness to eliminate the threat faced by these birds was developed in 1993 in the United States.

World Migratory Bird Day is commemorated across Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean on the second Saturday of October every year.

In the United States and Canada, it is commemorated on the second Saturday in May.

In Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, World Migratory Bird Day is marked on the second Saturday of every October. While in the US and Canada, the day is observed on the second Saturday of every May.

World Migratory Bird Day Significance

The sole purpose of International Migratory Bird Day is to safeguard migratory bird breeding, non-breeding, and stopover habitats while preserving a healthy bird population. Their importance arises from the fact that they play an important role in the environment.

They are necessary for ecological balance and biodiversity to be maintained. Birds are nature's ambassadors, in a sense. As a result, it is necessary to restore ecological connection and integrity to boost migratory bird migration.

The endeavour raises awareness about migratory bird protection, bird treks, nature-based celebrations, bird-watching trips, bird carnivals, education programmes, and exhibitions are held each year.

Topics covered include bird biology, nesting places, identifying birds, and the amazing world of birds.

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World Migratory Bird Day Importance

Bird migration helps reduce insect populations wherever they go in the world, as well as certain smaller species also aid in flower pollination. Larger scavengers help to clear carrion waste.

Furthermore, their droppings provide a wealth of nutrients that aid plant growth.

Migration is a genetically programmed behaviour. It's a rudimentary feature found in birds that don't have to migrate at all. During migration, birds' capacity to navigate and orient themselves is even more complicated.

Birds must also change their metabolism to save enough energy for the voyage and moult their feathers to prepare for the wear and tear of the lengthy flight.

World Migratory Bird Day Themes

The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2021 is "Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird", which aimed to educate people about migratory birds and focused on the need for international cooperation to conserve these birds.

The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2022 will be Light Pollution.

As artificial light is increasing globally by at least 2 per cent per year, it adversely affects many birds. Light pollution is a serious threat to migratory birds since it causes disorientation when they fly at night, leading to collisions and interferes with long-distance migrations.

On International Migratory Bird Day, you can go out and find nature or bring nature to you. Feeders placed outside your home will attract various local birds hungry for a meal.

You can put out as much food as you like, including sugar water for hummingbirds. Just make sure the neighbourhood squirrels and cats don't join in the fun!

FAQs on World Migratory Bird Day

Q.1. When do we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day?

World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of May and October every year.

Q.2. When was World Migratory Bird Day inaugurated?

World Migratory Bird Day has been celebrated twice a year since its inauguration in 2006.

Q.3. When is World Migratory Bird Day celebrated in the USA?

In the United States, World Migratory Bird Day is commemorated on the second Saturday of May.

Q.4. What is the purpose of World Migratory Bird Day?

The sole purpose of World Migratory Bird Day is to safeguard migratory bird breeding, non-breeding, and stopover habitats while preserving a healthy bird population.

Q.5. How many countries organise the events for World Migratory Bird Day?

118 countries participate in and organise World Migratory Bird Day.