Birds spending longer in Europe - 15th November 2021

Many kinds of birds fly to warmer countries in Africa to spend the winter months. But now, lots of these birds are staying longer in Europe, say scientists.

Scientists at Durham University have found that some birds are spending 60 days a year more in Europe. The experts looked at a period of 50 years. They concentrated on changes in dates the birds arrive and leave.

The differences are probably because of climate change. Scientists think it is making the birds behave differently. It seems that climate and levels of food might change their habits. One of the scientists believes that soon some birds will remain in Europe the whole year.

These changes could damage European bird populations. This is because there will be less food. It could also be bad for the environment in Africa: birds eat insects and help plants to grow.

The team leader says they are now going to develop a new model. This will try to predict what will happen in the future.