Egypt is perfect transit for migrating birds

CAIRO – 23 November 2017: About 350 species of migrating birds come to Egypt across the Red Sea to find a resort in its islands. There are several aspects of why Egypt and its islands of the Red Sea in specific are of the biggest intricacies of bird migration.

The main aspects behind the migration of birds’ flocks remain an enigma that ornithologists try to understand. They suggest that birds migrate to better enhance their survival. An aspect can be is that they may be looking to find the best resources for successful breeding, different food sources, or moving to more suitable homelands at different times of the year.

How well-adapted birds are to these journeys? Some birds can stay aloft for many hours in one long migration flight, while others take shorter journeys and refuel along the way.

Why do birds choose Egypt in winter and spring seasons? Birds are very picky for their habitats along migration journeys. Egypt’s moderate climate in winter season and location of the Red Sea, which secure abundant volumes of food, stand as main attractions for these migrating flocks, let alone it stands on the way of the targeted destination.


File - Photo of flocks of birds migrating to the Red Sea Island, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Another reason why Egypt is extremely important for these migratory birds because it is a transit point between different continents and habitats, connecting Africa and Eurasia, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean; deserts and wetlands, mountains and seas. Millions of birds pass through Egypt seeking food, shelter, and rest, as many human civilizations have done throughout the years.

According to a survey conducted by Egyptian birders for flocks of birds migrating from Europe to Africa, statistics spotted that Seagull flocks, amongst other species, migrating to Egypt to dwell the Red Sea islands outnumbered about 6,500 birds. These flocks mainly feed on the small fishes floating near to the sea surface. Location and climate of these unmanned islands’ served to make Seagull flocks find the perfect transit to refuel.

“The Red Sea area is characterized by many different environments, including the marine and coastal environment and the mountain environment, suitable for many different species of migrating birds, whether migrating or resident to complete the nesting process,” stated Egyptian director of the Egyptian Red Sea Reserves; Dr. Ahmed Ghallab. He explained that birds immigration act as one of the best factors of biological diversity and an effective way to protect the balance of environments.