With fall migration over and "our" birds safe in their wintering grounds, did you ever stop to consider what fueled their flight? Many insectivorous migrants change their diets in the fall to include a larger portion of fruits. Recent studies have shown that behavioral changes, such as this change in diet, are more important for migrant birds than was previously thought. Many species can gain more weight adding fruit to the menu than they can consuming insects alone. Fruit eaten during stopover periods helps migrant birds to maintain their energy levels for long-distance flights.

Studies have also shown that when fruit is present, (in coastal shrublands, for instance) many species will flock to this food source to feed and rest. The presence of fruit determines whether birds will select a habitat during their stopover periods.

So, what does this mean for bird conservation? If songbirds' needs during migration are completely different from their needs on breeding and wintering grounds, we need to take these into account when planning conservation strategies. Unfortunately, the areas where fruits tend to be most abundant, such as forest understories and coastal habitats, are also habitats of the greatest pressure from human disturbance and development. And our aesthetic need to clear the landscape of scrubby undergrowth, including wax myrtle and poison ivy, does not take into account the needs of other species. To hungry migrants, this "valueless" habitat can be the deciding factor as to whether they make it to their wintering grounds or not. Food for thought.