Definition:

(verb) To survive the winter in a relatively unusual location, typically outside a bird's regular winter range. While migrating to regular wintering grounds can be considered a type of overwintering, when birders use the term "overwinter" they are referring to unusual birds not known to stay in the winter locations where they have been sighted. Overwintering birds can be prized sightings and are often highly desirable to add to a life list.


Birds may overwinter in unusual places for several reasons. Mild winters and abundant food supplies are key factors in whether birds will overwinter, and winter bird feeding offered by backyard birds can be critical to these birds' survival. Some birds may become lost and disoriented during migration and accidentally stay in an unusual location for the winter, while other birds may be injured and unable to complete their typical migration, instead overwintering somewhere along the route.

Many migratory bird species have been recorded as overwintering in unusual areas, though such occurrences are difficult to predict. Survival rates for many overwintering birds are low due to unexpected storms and exhausted food supplies.

Pronunciation:

oh-ver-WIN-ter

Also Known As:

Overwintering