| Chapter III | ||
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What is a Boreal Forest Songbird? | |
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| Boreal Forest The boreal forest is the largest and northernmost forest ecosystem in the world. It covers one-third of central Alaska and stretches through Canada, Siberia, and Europe. It receives little precipitation (rain and snow) and has a climate dominated by cold, long winters. Much of the boreal forest grows on top of permafrost or permanently frozen ground. The boreal forest is an environment that provides habitat for many plants and animals, including songbirds and humans. Fairbanks is in the boreal forest. |
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| Boreal Forest Songbirds Many songbirds make the boreal forest their home and have special adaptations that make it possible for them to survive. One adaptation is to spend only the warmer months in the boreal forest and then migrate to places like Mexico and South America for the winter. Other adaptations include specialized eating and sleeping habits that make it possible for some species to live in the boreal forest year-round. |
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| Migration Migration is the seasonal movement of birds and other animals. Birds migrate for many different reasons such as to avoid cold weather, lack of food, shortage of nest sites and competition for food. Many boreal forest songbirds spend the breeding season in the north and migrate to the tropics for the winter. The tropical forest has more species of plants and animals than any other ecosystem in the world, however, the tropical forest is one of the smallest ecosystems. Some songbirds leave the tropics each spring to avoid these crowded conditions and take advantage of plentiful food and nesting areas in the north. In this way they enjoy the best of both worlds. Boreal forest migratory songbirds travel long distances each spring and fall. There are many ideas about how birds are able to fly south in the fall and then return to the same area where they hatched each spring. They must find their way, avoid accidents, and reach their destination at the right time. It is believed that birds are hatched with the ability to navigate and knowledge of when to migrate. |
Residents Some songbirds remain in the boreal forest year-round (residents). These hardy birds survive the long cold winters by fluffing up their feathers, eating high-energy foods, and finding sheltered places to roost at night. In addition, redpolls and crossbills have a crop on the back of their neck where they store seeds. The "extra" food is digested during the long winter nights or during storms when they can't forage. Both of these birds will also move large distances to take advantage of a good food source. Redpolls, perhaps the hardiest of winter birds, will sometimes roost in snowbanks. Chickadees can store up to 10% of their body weight in fat when temperatures drop. They can also lower their heart rate at night to conserve energy. Additionally, chickadees may cache food and sleep in small holes or cavities made by woodpeckers. Pine Grosbeaks and Gray Jays spend winter nights in the shelter of snow-covered spruce boughs. |
| Activities Perfectly Adapted... Migration Mapping Warbler Mobile |
Why are the guys so flashy? Why do some males look different than the females, especially in the spring? You may have noticed that the males of many boreal forest songbirds are brighter in the spring. These flashy fellows are singing and showing off to attract a mate. The females are not as flashy because they need camouflage to blend in to their habitat for safety. Songbird hatchlings are also drab in color for protection. After the nesting season, many male songbirds replace their flashy feathers and look like the females. |
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