Birds That Do NOT Migrate South During Michigan Winters

Michigan has plenty of birds that when the cold comes go South where it's warm. Sparrows, hummingbirds, Snowbirds, and warblers are just some of the birds that make the trip down South during the winter. Some birds even go as far as South America to avoid the cold.

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Honestly, who can blame them? I wouldn't want to stick around if I could just fly away rent-free. However, there are plenty of birds around Michigan that don't migrate south, and as shocking as it sounds, some migrate up North instead. So let us take a look at some of the crazy birds that don't make the trek this time of year.

Why do birds migrate?

Birds migrate for multiple reasons but the main ones are for food, mating, and nesting. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) reports that many birds rely on seeds, berries, and insects as their main sources of food. When nothing grows and there are on insects to be found, they head to the places where those sources are abundant.

READ MORE: 50 Birds Around Michigan You Know But Don't Really Know |

Birds can raise their young in a safe place and all migrate back up North in the spring. However, the FWS also reports that migrating is a risky business, and billions die every year while migrating. Unfamiliar structures, predators, and weather create great risks for migrating birds. So, these birds that stay North at least know what they're dealing with.

Chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals, and blue jays stick out the cold and stay in Michigan year-round. Here are a few of the birds you can expect to see this winter.