Academic Reading
The mystery of migratory birds
AEvery year, billions of birds undertake extraordinary journeys, flying thousands of kilometres between their breeding and wintering grounds. Some species, such as the Arctic tern, travel from pole to pole, covering one of the longest migrations known in the animal kingdom.
BHow birds find their way remains only partly understood. Research suggests they use a combination of cues, including the position of the sun and stars, landmarks such as rivers and coastlines, and even the Earth's magnetic field. Young birds of some species make their first journey entirely alone, guided by instinct rather than experience.