About Ask the Expert Answers From the Oriole Expert, David Aborn Special thanks to Dr. David Aborn for providing his time and expertise in responding to your questions. From: Pennsylvania jonuthatch@aol.com Q. Since migration is such a hard journey, why does the Oriole make it every year? I would think that Costa Rica would have what the Oriole needs to raise its young. Each year I am amazed when I see this beautiful bird in my yard. A. Excellent question and an astute observation! You are quite right, Costa Rica does have what orioles need to raise their young. That's part of the problem...Costa Rica and other Latin American countries have what MANY birds need to raise their young. This means there is a lot of competition for resources (food, nest sites, etc.). All those birds, eggs, and nestlings also means that there are many predators around. Thus, it is better for orioles, as well as many other songbirds, to fly north to take advantage of the fewer competitors, fewer predators, and the summer abundance of insects. Once nesting is over and food supplies decline in the fall, then the birds fly back to the tropics to spend the winter. We in North America often consider orioles and other migrants to be "our" birds. In reality, they only spend a few months here. Most of the year (5-6 months) they are in the tropics! You are right in saying that migration is a hard journey that seems unnecessary, but it is what they have to do in order to have a chance at successfully breeding. I hope that answers your insightful question. Sincerely, Dr. David Aborn Dept. of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Tennesse at Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN 37403 Related Resources Field Checklist for Spring Oriole Observations Unpave the Way for Orioles Leaf-Out Study Life Cycle Sleuth How is a Migration Like a Vacation? Tropical Travelers Coming Your Way Oriole Winter Life in Costa Rica Wish You Were Here: Vacation Postcards from Oriole Wintering Grounds Coffee Can Brew Trouble for Songbirds Copyright 2000 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form