Nesting on the Move

For many birds, fall migration is simply a journey between two places, stopping only long enough to rest and feed before reaching winter grounds. According to Science Daily, however, a new study has revealed that several species of songbirds that migrate between North America and South America actually stop along the way for a second breeding season.

These "migratory double breeders" include the hooded oriole, yellow-breasted chat, orchard oriole, yellow-billed cuckoo and Cassin's vireo. Female birds along the migratory route were examined and found to have old brood patches, evidence of earlier nesting, even while they attended new broods in Mexico. Young bird populations were also counted and did not tally unless new broods were being produced.

It is hoped that drawing attention to the breeding importance of migratory stopover habitats will help improve conservation initiatives along songbird flyway routes.

Do migratory birds stop in your backyard on their way south? It's easy to attract birds during migration!

Hooded Oriole
Photo © Linda Tanner