What season do wild geese generally fly south, and in which months specifically?

Wild geese is the general term for the various species in the subfamily Anserinae. Goose formations are made up of 6 birds or multiples of 6, and a flock is an aggregation of families or groups. They are full of enthusiasm and can encourage their companions, using calls to cheer on their fellow flyers. Common species in China include the swan goose, greylag goose, bean goose, and greater white-fronted goose. Let's take a look below at what season wild geese fly south!

What season do wild geese fly south?

Wild geese fly south at the 24 solar term White Dew, which starts on September 7 to 9 each year. "Wild geese fly south at Cold Dew, chrysanthemums bloom," "The wild goose gate opens in the eighth month, geese come with frost at their feet." Wild geese migrate south from White Dew all the way through Cold Dew. There are mainly two migration routes: one route runs from Northeast China across the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins, reaching the coast of Fujian and Guangdong, and even as far as the Malay Archipelago; the other route passes through Inner Mongolia and Qinghai in China, reaching Sichuan and Yunnan, and even as far as Myanmar and India to overwinter. The next year, they make the long journey back to Siberia to lay eggs and breed.

Why do wild geese fly south?

Wild geese fly south to spend the winter. The south has a tropical climate, is warmer than the north, and has more abundant food than the north. Wild geese are migratory birds, and flying south is for overwintering. Migratory birds are generally birds with migratory habits that regularly move between wintering grounds and breeding grounds with the changing seasons. Their flocks are large, and the times and places of their coming and going are very regular, with fixed wintering sites, breeding grounds, and migration sites.

Why do wild geese fly in formation?

1. Generally, the geese in front are very strong and experienced. Because of the flapping of the lead goose's wings, airflow is generated. If they fly in a "V" shape or a "straight line" shape, the geese behind can fly much more easily and do not need to rest many times. During the lead goose's flight, a low-pressure zone forms behind it, and the geese closely following can use this low-pressure zone to reduce air resistance, which helps the entire flock's ability to keep flying.

2. Wild geese forming neat V shapes or straight lines is also a manifestation of flocking instinct, which helps defend against enemies. The flock is always led by an experienced old goose acting as the "captain," flying at the front of the formation. During flight, the lead goose consumes energy heavily, so it often swaps positions with other geese. Young birds and weak birds mostly tuck into the middle of the formation. When resting by the water to look for food and aquatic plants, an experienced old goose always serves as the sentry. A lone goose flying south runs a great risk of being eaten by enemies.