On 12 December 1911, during the Delhi Durbar, George V, then Emperor of India, along with Queen Mary, his Consort, made the announcement that the capital of the Raj was to be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, while laying the foundation stone for the Viceroy's residence in the Coronation Park, Kingsway Camp. The foundation stone of New Delhi was laid by King George V and Queen Mary at the site of Delhi Durbar of 1911 at Kingsway Camp on 15 December 1911, during their imperial visit. Large parts of New Delhi were planned by Edwin Lutyens (Sir Edwin from 1918), who first visited Delhi in 1912, and Herbert Baker (Sir Herbert from 1926), both leading 20th-century British architects. The contract was given to Sobha Singh (later Sir Sobha Singh). Construction really began after World War I and was completed by 1931. The city that was later dubbed "Lutyens' Delhi" was inaugurated in ceremonies beginning on 10 February 1931 by Lord Irwin, the Viceroy. Lutyens designed the central administrative area of the city as a testament to Britain's imperial aspirations.

Who announced that the capital of India would be moved from Calcutta to Delhi?

George V

On what date was it announced that the capital of India would be moved to Delhi?

12 December 1911

Who laid the foundation stone of New Delhi?

King George V and Queen Mary

Who is responsible for designing large parts of New Delhi?

Edwin Lutyens

On what date did inauguration ceremonies for New Delhi begin?

10 February 1931


Soon Lutyens started considering other places. Indeed, the Delhi Town Planning Committee, set up to plan the new imperial capital, with George Swinton as chairman and John A. Brodie and Lutyens as members, submitted reports for both North and South sites. However, it was rejected by the Viceroy when the cost of acquiring the necessary properties was found to be too high. The central axis of New Delhi, which today faces east at India Gate, was previously meant to be a north-south axis linking the Viceroy's House at one end with Paharganj at the other. During the project's early years, many tourists believed it was a gate from Earth to Heaven itself. Eventually, owing to space constraints and the presence of a large number of heritage sites in the North side, the committee settled on the South site. A site atop the Raisina Hill, formerly Raisina Village, a Meo village, was chosen for the Rashtrapati Bhawan, then known as the Viceroy's House. The reason for this choice was that the hill lay directly opposite the Dinapanah citadel, which was also considered the site of Indraprastha, the ancient region of Delhi. Subsequently, the foundation stone was shifted from the site of Delhi Durbar of 1911–1912, where the Coronation Pillar stood, and embedded in the walls of the forecourt of the Secretariat. The Rajpath, also known as King's Way, stretched from the India Gate to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Secretariat building, the two blocks of which flank the Rashtrapati Bhawan and houses ministries of the Government of India, and the Parliament House, both designed by Herbert Baker, are located at the Sansad Marg and run parallel to the Rajpath.

Who rejected the proposals of Brodie and Lutyens?

the Viceroy

Which site was eventually chosen by the Delhi Town Planning Committee?

the South site

Raisina Hill lay directly opposite what religious site?

Dinapanah citadel

The Rajpath was also known by what name?

King's Way

Who designed the Parliament House of New Delhi?

Herbert Baker


In the south, land up to Safdarjung's Tomb was acquired in order to create what is today known as Lutyens' Bungalow Zone. Before construction could begin on the rocky ridge of Raisina Hill, a circular railway line around the Council House (now Parliament House), called the Imperial Delhi Railway, was built to transport construction material and workers for the next twenty years. The last stumbling block was the Agra-Delhi railway line that cut right through the site earmarked for the hexagonal All-India War Memorial (India Gate) and Kingsway (Rajpath), which was a problem because the Old Delhi Railway Station served the entire city at that time. The line was shifted to run along the Yamuna river, and it began operating in 1924. The New Delhi Railway Station opened in 1926 with a single platform at Ajmeri Gate near Paharganj and was completed in time for the city's inauguration in 1931. As construction of the Viceroy's House (the present Rashtrapati Bhavan), Central Secretariat, Parliament House, and All-India War Memorial (India Gate) was winding down, the building of a shopping district and a new plaza, Connaught Place, began in 1929, and was completed by 1933. Named after Prince Arthur, 1st Duke of Connaught (1850–1942), it was designed by Robert Tor Russell, chief architect to the Public Works Department (PWD).

The construction of Connaught Place was completed in what year?

On what hill did construction of Lutyen's Bungalow Zone begin?

Raisina Hill

The Imperial Delhi Railway was built to transport workers and materials for how many years?

twenty years

In what year did the Imperial Delhi Railway line begin operating?

In what year did the New Delhi Railway Station open?


After the capital of India moved to Delhi, a temporary secretariat building was constructed in a few months in 1912 in North Delhi. Most of the government offices of the new capital moved here from the 'Old secretariat' in Old Delhi (the building now houses the Delhi Legislative Assembly), a decade before the new capital was inaugurated in 1931. Many employees were brought into the new capital from distant parts of India, including the Bengal Presidency and Madras Presidency. Subsequently housing for them was developed around Gole Market area in the 1920s. Built in the 1940s, to house government employees, with bungalows for senior officials in the nearby Lodhi Estate area, Lodhi colony near historic Lodhi Gardens, was the last residential areas built by the British Raj.

A temporary secretariat building was built in New Delhi in what year?

In what year what New Delhi inaugurated as the capital of India?

Housing for employees was built in what area during the 1920s?

Gole Market area

What was the name of the last residential area built by the British Raj?

Lodhi colony

During what decade was the Lodhi colony built?

the 1940s


After India gained independence in 1947, a limited autonomy was conferred to New Delhi and was administered by a Chief Commissioner appointed by the Government of India. In 1956, Delhi was converted into a union territory and eventually the Chief Commissioner was replaced by a Lieutenant Governor. The Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991 declared the Union Territory of Delhi to be formally known as National Capital Territory of Delhi. A system was introduced under which the elected Government was given wide powers, excluding law and order which remained with the Central Government. The actual enforcement of the legislation came in 1993.

In what year did India gain independence?

In what year was Delhi converted into a union territory?

What is the name of the act that caused the Union Territory of Delhi to become formally known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi?

The Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act

The enforcement of the legislation of the Constitution Act began in what year?

In 1956, Delhi was converted into what type of territory?

a union territory


The first major extension of New Delhi outside of Lutyens' Delhi came in the 1950s when the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) developed a large area of land southwest of Lutyens' Delhi to create the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, where land was allotted for embassies, chanceries, high commissions and residences of ambassadors, around wide central vista, Shanti Path.

In what decade did New Delhi first extend significantly from Lutyen's Delhi?

the 1950s

What organization developed land to expand New Delhi in the 1950s?

the Central Public Works Department

What was the name of the enclave created by the Central Public Works Department?

Chanakyapuri

In which direction did Chanakyapuri extend from New Delhi?

southwest

What was one use of the uses for the newly developed land of Chanakypuri?

residences of ambassadors


With a total area of 42.7 km2 (16.5 sq mi), New Delhi forms a small part of the Delhi metropolitan area. Because the city is located on the Indo-Gangetic Plain, there is little difference in elevation across the city. New Delhi and surrounding areas were once a part of the Aravalli Range; all that is left of those mountains is the Delhi Ridge, which is also called the Lungs of Delhi. While New Delhi lies on the floodplains of the Yamuna River, it is essentially a landlocked city. East of the river is the urban area of Shahdara. New Delhi falls under the seismic zone-IV, making it vulnerable to earthquakes.

What is the total area of New Delhi in square miles?

16.5 sq mi

On what plain is New Delhi located?

the Indo-Gangetic Plain

The Delhi Ridge is also referred to by what name?

the Lungs of Delhi

New Delhi is located on the floodplains of what river?

Yamuna River

What seismic zone does New Delhi fall under?

seismic zone-IV


New Delhi lies on several fault lines and thus experiences frequent earthquakes, most of them of mild intensity. There has, however, been a spike in the number of earthquakes in the last six years, most notable being a 5.4 magnitude earthquake in 2015 with its epicentre in Nepal, a 4.7-magnitude earthquake on 25 November 2007, a 4.2-magnitude earthquake on 7 September 2011, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake on 5 March 2012, and a swarm of twelve earthquakes, including four of magnitudes 2.5, 2.8, 3.1, and 3.3, on 12 November 2013.

What was the magnitude of the notable 2015 earthquake that shook New Delhi?

5.4 magnitude

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake that affected New Delhi occurred on what date?

25 November 2007

What was the magnitude of the earthquake that affected New Delhi on September 2011?

How many earthquakes occurred on March 5, 2012?

twelve

What is the geographical feature New Delhi lies on that is responsible for frequent earthquakes?

fault lines


The climate of New Delhi is a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa) with high variation between summer and winter in terms of both temperature and rainfall. The temperature varies from 46 °C (115 °F) in summers to around 0 °C (32 °F) in winters. The area's version of a humid subtropical climate is noticeably different from many other cities with this climate classification in that it features long and very hot summers, relatively dry and mild winters, a monsoonal period, and dust storms. Summers are long, extending from early April to October, with the monsoon season occurring in the middle of the summer. Winter starts in November and peaks in January. The annual mean temperature is around 25 °C (77 °F); monthly daily mean temperatures range from approximately 14 to 34 °C (57 to 93 °F). New Delhi's highest temperature ever recorded is 49.1 °C (120.4 °F) while the lowest temperature ever recorded is −3.2 °C (26.2 °F). Those for Delhi metropolis stand at 49.9 °C (121.8 °F) and −3.2 °C (26.2 °F) respectively. The average annual rainfall is 784 millimetres (30.9 in), most of which is during the monsoons in July and August.

In what type of climate is New Delhi located?

subtropical climate

Between which months do New Delhi's long summers last?

April to October

When does the monsoon season occur in New Delhi?

the middle of the summer

What is the annual mean temperature of New Delhi?

25 °C (77 °F)

What is the highest ever recorded temperature in New Delhi?

49.1 °C (120.4 °F)


In recent Mercer’s 2015 annual quality-of-living survey, New Delhi ranks at number 154 out of 230 cities due to bad air quality and pollution. The World Health Organization ranked New Delhi as the world’s worst polluted city in 2014 among about 1,600 cities the organization tracked around the world.

What is New Delhi's rank in Mercer's 2015 quality of living survey?

What is the main cause of New Delhi's relatively low ranking in Mercer's quality of life survey?

bad air quality and pollution

New Delhi was ranked as the world's worst polluted city by what organization?

The World Health Organization

How many cities were tracked for pollution by the World Health Organization in 2014?

How many cities were studied in Mercer's 2015 quality of living survey?


In an attempt to curb air pollution in New Delhi, which gets worst during the winter, a temporary alternate-day travel scheme for cars using the odd- and even-numbered license plates system was announced by Delhi government in December 2015. In addition, trucks will be allowed to enter India's capital only after 11 p.m., two hours later than the existing restriction. The driving restriction scheme is planned to be implemented as a trial from January 1, 2016 for an initial period of 15 days. The restriction will be in force between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and traffic will not be restricted on Sundays. Public transportation service will be increased during the restriction period.

In what season does New Delhi's air pollution worsen?

winter

What method was introduced in December 2015 to reduce New Delhi's air pollution?

alternate-day travel

New Delhi's alternate-day travel scheme allowed trucks to enter the city after what hour?

11 p.m

How long is the initial trial period for New Delhi's driving restriction scheme?

15 days

On what day of the week will travel remain unrestricted by New Delhi's alternate day driving scheme?

Sundays


On December 16, 2015, the Supreme Court of India mandated several restrictions on Delhi's transportation system to curb pollution. Among the measures, the court ordered to stop registrations of diesel cars and sport utility vehicles with an engine capacity of 2,000 cc and over until March 31, 2016. The court also ordered all taxis in the Delhi region to switch to compressed natural gas by March 1, 2016. Transportation vehicles that are more than 10 years old were banned from entering the capital.

On what date did the Supreme Court of India enact restrictions on Delhi's transportation system to reduce pollution?

December 16, 2015

The Supreme Court restricted registration of some vehicles with engines of 2000 cc and over until what date?

March 31, 2016

All taxis in Delhi were ordered to switch to what type of fuel by March 1, 2016?

compressed natural gas

Which transportation vehicles were banned from entering New Delhi?

vehicles that are more than 10 years old

New restrictions on New Delhi's transportation system were enacted by the Supreme Court to accomplish what goal?

curb pollution


The national capital of India, New Delhi is jointly administered by both the Central Government of India and the local Government of Delhi, it is also the capital of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

New Delhi is the capital of what National Capital Territory?

Delhi

What is the national capital of India?

New Delhi

The local Government of Delhi and the Central Government of India jointly administer what city?

New Delhi

What city is the official capital of the National Capital Territory of Delhi?

New Delhi

What is the name of one government body that oversees the capital of New Delhi?

the Central Government of India


As of 2015, the government structure of the New Delhi Municipal Council includes a chairperson, three members of New Delhi's Legislative Assembly, two members nominated by the Chief Minister of the NCT of Delhi and five members nominated by the central government.

The government structure of the New Delhi Municipal Council includes three members from what government body?

New Delhi's Legislative Assembly

What government body is responsible for nominating five members to the New Delhi Municipal Council?

the central government

What government official is responsible for nominating two members to the New Delhi Municipal Council?

Chief Minister of the NCT of Delhi

The Chief Minister of what NCT is responsible for nominating two members to the New Delhi Municipal Council?

NCT of Delhi

What is the name of the government structure created for New Delhi that is comprised of ten representatives?

New Delhi Municipal Council


The head of state of Delhi is the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Delhi, appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Central government and the post is largely ceremonial, as the Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Delhi is the head of government and is vested with most of the executive powers. According to the Indian constitution, if a law passed by Delhi's legislative assembly is repugnant to any law passed by the Parliament of India, then the law enacted by the parliament will prevail over the law enacted by the assembly.

What is the official title of Delhi's head of state?

Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Delhi

Who is responsible for appointing the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Delhi?

President of India

Which takes precedent when a law passed by Parliament conflicts with a law passed by Delhi's Legislative assembly?

the law enacted by the parliament

What government body advises the president on appointing a Lieutenant Governor?

the Central government

Which government position is given most of the executive powers over Delhi?

Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Delhi


New Delhi is governed through a municipal government, known as the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Other urban areas of the metropolis of Delhi are administered by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). However, the entire metropolis of Delhi is commonly known as New Delhi in contrast to Old Delhi.

What is the name of the municipal government by which New Delhi is governed?

New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)

What government body is responsible for administering other urban areas of the metropolis of Delhi?

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)

What is the name commonly used to refer to the entire metropolis of Delhi?

New Delhi

The New Delhi Municipal Government oversees what large Indian city?

New Delhi

What form of government is responsible for the municipality of New Delhi?

a municipal government


Much of New Delhi, planned by the leading 20th-century British architect Edwin Lutyens, was laid out to be the central administrative area of the city as a testament to Britain's imperial pretensions. New Delhi is structured around two central promenades called the Rajpath and the Janpath. The Rajpath, or King's Way, stretches from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the India Gate. The Janpath (Hindi: "Path of the People"), formerly Queen's Way, begins at Connaught Circus and cuts the Rajpath at right angles. 19 foreign embassies are located on the nearby Shantipath (Hindi: "Path of Peace"), making it the largest diplomatic enclave in India.

What British architect was responsible for designing much of New Delhi?

Edwin Lutyens

What are the names of the two central promenades around which New Delhi is structured?

Rajpath and the Janpath

Which of the two promenades is referred to as The King's Way?

the Rajpath

Which promenade was formerly known as the Queen's Way?

The Janpath

The largest diplomatic enclave in India which contains 19 foreign embassies is located along which promenade?

Shantipath


At the heart of the city is the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly known as Viceroy's House) which sits atop Raisina Hill. The Secretariat, which houses ministries of the Government of India, flanks out of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Parliament House, designed by Herbert Baker, is located at the Sansad Marg, which runs parallel to the Rajpath. Connaught Place is a large, circular commercial area in New Delhi, modelled after the Royal Crescent in England. Twelve separate roads lead out of the outer ring of Connaught Place, one of them being the Janpath.

Formerly known as the Viceroy's House, which large building is located at the heart of New Delhi?

Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Rashtrapati Bhavan was formerly known by what name?

Viceroy's House

Connaught Place in New Delhi is modeled after what area of England?

the Royal Crescent

How many roads lead out of the outer ring of Connaught Place?

Twelve


Indira Gandhi International Airport, situated to the southwest of Delhi, is the main gateway for the city's domestic and international civilian air traffic. In 2012-13, the airport was used by more than 35 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in South Asia. Terminal 3, which cost ₹96.8 billion (US$1.4 billion) to construct between 2007 and 2010, handles an additional 37 million passengers annually.

What major airport is located to the southwest of Delhi?

Indira Gandhi International Airport

Approximately how many passengers used Indira Gandhi Airport from 2012-2013?

35 million

How much money did Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport cost to construct?

₹96.8 billion

How many passengers use Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi Airport each year?

37 million

What year was construction of Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi airport finished?


The Delhi Flying Club, established in 1928 with two de Havilland Moth aircraft named Delhi and Roshanara, was based at Safdarjung Airport which started operations in 1929, when it was the Delhi's only airport and the second in India. The airport functioned until 2001, however in January 2002 the government closed the airport for flying activities because of security concerns following the New York attacks in September 2001. Since then, the club only carries out aircraft maintenance courses, and is used for helicopter rides to Indira Gandhi International Airport for VIP including the president and the prime minister.

The Delhi Flying Club was established in what year?

When established in 1928, which airport served as the base of the Delhi Flying Club?

Safdarjung Airport

In what year did the government close Safdarjung Airport due to security concerns?

In what year did the Delhi Flying club begin operations?

What type of aircraft was first used by the Delhi Flying Club after its founding?

de Havilland Moth aircraft


In 2010, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) was conferred the fourth best airport award in the world in the 15–25 million category, and Best Improved Airport in the Asia-Pacific Region by Airports Council International. The airport was rated as the Best airport in the world in the 25–40 million passengers category in 2015, by Airports Council International.[not in citation given][better source needed] Delhi Airport also bags two awards for The Best Airport in Central Asia/India and Best Airport Staff in Central Asia/India at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2015.

In what year did Indira Gandhi International Airport earn an award for being forth best airport in the world in the 15-25 million category?

What organization is responsible for awarding Indira Gandhi International Airport as Best Improved Airport in the Asia-Pacific Region?

Airports Council International

What year did Indira Gandhi International Airport win an award for Best airport in the world in the 25-40 million passenger category?

How many awards did Indira Gandhi International Airport win at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2015?

two

In 2015, the Airports Council International gave what award to Indira Gandhi International Airport?

Best airport in the world in the 25–40 million passengers category


New Delhi has one of India's largest bus transport systems. Buses are operated by the state-owned Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), which owns largest fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled buses in the world. Personal vehicles especially cars also form a major chunk of vehicles plying on New Delhi roads. New Delhi has the highest number of registered cars compared to any other metropolitan city in India. Taxis and Auto Rickshaws also ply on New Delhi roads in large numbers. New Delhi has one of the highest road density in India.

What state-owned organization operates New Delhi's bus transport system?

Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)

Delhi Transport Company owns the world's largest fleet of buses powered by what type of fuel?

compressed natural gas

What city has the highest number of registered cars of any city in India?

New Delhi

What large metropolis has some of the highest road density in India?

New Delhi

What type of vehicle transport system is owned by the Delhi Transport Corporation?

Buses


New Delhi is a major junction in the Indian railway network and is the headquarters of the Northern Railway. The five main railway stations are New Delhi railway station, Old Delhi, Nizamuddin Railway Station, Anand Vihar Railway Terminal and Sarai Rohilla. The Delhi Metro, a mass rapid transit system built and operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), serves many parts of Delhi and the neighbouring cities Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad. As of August 2011, the metro consists of six operational lines with a total length of 189 km (117 mi) and 146 stations, and several other lines are under construction. It carries millions of passengers every day. In addition to the Delhi Metro, a suburban railway, the Delhi Suburban Railway exists.

What Indian city is the headquarters of the Northern Railway?

New Delhi

How many main stations of the Northern Railway serve the New Delhi area?

five

The Delhi Metro consists of how many stations?

What organization is responsible for building and operating the Delhi Metro system?

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation


The Delhi Metro is a rapid transit system serving New Delhi, Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, and Ghaziabad in the National Capital Region of India. Delhi Metro is the world's 12th largest metro system in terms of length. Delhi Metro was India's first modern public transportation system, which had revolutionised travel by providing a fast, reliable, safe, and comfortable means of transport. The network consists of six lines with a total length of 189.63 kilometres (117.83 miles) with 142 stations, of which 35 are underground, five are at-grade, and the remainder are elevated. All stations have escalators, elevators, and tactile tiles to guide the visually impaired from station entrances to trains. It has a combination of elevated, at-grade, and underground lines, and uses both broad gauge and standard gauge rolling stock. Four types of rolling stock are used: Mitsubishi-ROTEM Broad gauge, Bombardier MOVIA, Mitsubishi-ROTEM Standard gauge, and CAF Beasain Standard gauge.

What is the name of the world's 12 largest metro system by length?

The Delhi Metro

What is the total length of the Delhi Metro?

189.63 kilometres

How many stations are there on the Delhi Metro?

How many of the Delhi Metro's stations are located underground?

How many of the New Delhi Metro's stations are located at ground level?

five


Delhi Metro is being built and operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC), a state-owned company with equal equity participation from Government of India and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. However, the organisation is under administrative control of Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. Besides construction and operation of Delhi metro, DMRC is also involved in the planning and implementation of metro rail, monorail and high-speed rail projects in India and providing consultancy services to other metro projects in the country as well as abroad. The Delhi Metro project was spearheaded by Padma Vibhushan E. Sreedharan, the Managing Director of DMRC and popularly known as the "Metro Man" of India. He famously resigned from DMRC, taking moral responsibility for a metro bridge collapse which took five lives. Sreedharan was awarded with the prestigious Legion of Honour by the French Government for his contribution to Delhi Metro.

What organization operates the Delhi Metro system?

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation operates under the administrative control of what government body?

Ministry of Urban Development

The Delhi Metro project was spearheaded by what Indian government figure?

Padma Vibhushan E. Sreedharan

Padma Vibhushan E. Sreedharan was popularly known by what nickname?

"Metro Man"

What major award was given to Padma Vibhushan E. Sreedharan for his contribution the the Delhi Metro?

Legion of Honour


New Delhi has a population of 249,998. Hindi and Punjabi are the most widely spoken languages in New Delhi and the lingua franca of the city. English is primarily used as the formal language by business and government institutes. New Delhi has a literacy rate of 89.38% according to 2011 census, which is highest in Delhi.

What is the population of New Delhi?

What are the most common languages spoken in New Delhi?

Hindi and Punjabi

What language is used for formal purposes by business and government institutes of New Delhi?

English

What is the literacy rate of New Delhi according to the 2011 census?

What city in the territory of Delhi has the highest literacy rate?

New Delhi


Hinduism is the religion of 79.8% of New Delhi's population. There are also communities of Muslims (12.9%), Sikhs (5.4%), Jains (1.1%) and Christians (0.9%) in Delhi. Other religious groups (2.5%) include Parsis, Buddhists and Jews.

What percentage of New Delhi's population is Hindu?

What is the most commonly practiced religion in New Delhi?

Hinduism

What percentage of New Delhi's population is Muslim?

What percentage of New Delhi's population is Sikh?

What percentage of New Delhi's population is Christian?


New Delhi is a cosmopolitan city due to the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural presence of the vast Indian bureaucracy and political system. The city's capital status has amplified the importance of national events and holidays. National events such as Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti (Gandhi's birthday) are celebrated with great enthusiasm in New Delhi and the rest of India. On India's Independence Day (15 August) the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation from the Red Fort. Most Delhiites celebrate the day by flying kites, which are considered a symbol of freedom. The Republic Day Parade is a large cultural and military parade showcasing India's cultural diversity and military might.

What is the name of the holiday celebrated in India that occurs on Gandhi's Birthday?

Gandhi Jayanti

What is the date of India's Independence Day?

15 August

On Indian Independence Day, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from what location?

the Red Fort

On Indian Independence Day, kites are flown by citizens which symbolize what concept?

freedom

What New Delhi celebration showcases India's cultural diversity and military power?

Republic Day Parade


Religious festivals include Diwali (the festival of light), Maha Shivaratri, Teej, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Baisakhi, Durga Puja, Holi, Lohri, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, Christmas, Chhath Puja and Mahavir Jayanti. The Qutub Festival is a cultural event during which performances of musicians and dancers from all over India are showcased at night, with the Qutub Minar as the chosen backdrop of the event. Other events such as Kite Flying Festival, International Mango Festival and Vasant Panchami (the Spring Festival) are held every year in Delhi.

What religious festival is also known as the festival of light?

Diwali

What cultural event showcases dancers and musicians from all over India?

The Qutub Festival

In what location is The Qutub Festival held?

the Qutub Minar

The Spring Festival which is held each year in Delhi is also known by what name?

Vasant Panchami

What is the name of the fruit related festival held annually in Delhi?

International Mango Festival


In 2007, the Japanese Buddhist organisation Nipponzan Myohoji decided to build a Peace Pagoda in the city containing Buddha relics. It was inaugurated by the current Dalai Lama.

The Nipponzan Myohoji decided to build a Peace Pagoda in new Delhi in what year?

The Peace Pagoda built in New Delhi by the Nipponzan Myohoji contained what type of artifacts?

Buddha relics

Which Japanese Buddhist organization built a Peace Pagoda in New Delhi in 2007?

Nipponzan Myohoji

The Peace Pagoda built in New Delhi by the Nipponzan Myohoji was inaugurated by which prominent figure?

Dalai Lama

What structure did the Nipponzan Myohoji decide to build in New Delhi in 2007?

Peace Pagoda


The New Delhi town plan, like its architecture, was chosen with one single chief consideration: to be a symbol of British power and supremacy. All other decisions were subordinate to this, and it was this framework that dictated the choice and application of symbology and influences from both Hindu and Islamic architecture.

The New Delhi town plan was chosen primarily to symbolize what?

British power and supremacy

The New Delhi town plan was influenced by what type of architecture?

Hindu and Islamic

What town plan was chosen with the chief consideration of displaying British power and superiority?

The New Delhi town plan

What is one type of architecture that heavily influenced the New Delhi town plan?

Hindu


It took about 20 years to build the city from 1911. Many elements of New Delhi architecture borrow from indigenous sources; however, they fit into a British Classical/Palladian tradition. The fact that there were any indigenous features in the design were due to the persistence and urging of both the Viceroy Lord Hardinge and historians like E.B. Havell.

Approximately how long did it take to build New Delhi?

20 years

The architecture of New Delhi borrows from indigenous sources but fits into what tradition?

British Classical/Palladian

What historian is partially responsible for the use of indigenous features in the architecture of New Delhi?

E.B. Havell

Which government official urged that indigenous features be used in the design of New Delhi?

Viceroy Lord Hardinge

Many of the architectural elements of New Delhi borrow from what sources?

indigenous


New Delhi is home to several historic sites and museums. The National Museum which began with an exhibition of Indian art and artefacts at the Royal Academy in London in the winter of 1947–48 was later at the end was shown at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in 1949. Later it was to form a permanent National Museum. On 15 August 1949, the National Museum was formally inaugurated and currently has 200,000 works of art, both of Indian and foreign origin, covering over 5,000 years.

On what date was the National Museum formally inaugurated?

15 August 1949

How many works of art currently reside in the National Museum?

What length of time do the 200,000 works of art in the National Museum encompass?

5,000 years

The National Museum began in 1947 with a display of what type of art?

Indian art

In the winter of 1947, the National Museum started with a display of Indian art in what location?

Royal Academy in London


The India Gate built in 1931 was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It is the national monument of India commemorating the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives while fighting for the British Raj in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

What year was the India Gate built?

The Indian Gate was inspired by what Parisian monument?

Arc de Triomphe

The India Gate commemorates how many soldiers of past wars?

Which Indian monument, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, was built in 1931?

The India Gate

The India Gate commemorates the lost soldiers of what army?

Indian Army


The Rajpath which was built similar to the Champs-Élysées in Paris is the ceremonial boulevard for the Republic of India located in New Delhi. The annual Republic Day parade takes place here on 26 January.

The Rajpath was constructed similarly to what famous Parisian street?

the Champs-Élysées

What is the name of the ceremonial boulevard for the Republic of India in New Delhi?

The Rajpath

On what boulevard does the Republic Day parade take place each year?

The Rajpath

What annual parade takes place on the Rajpath each January?

Republic Day parade

On which date is the annual Republic Day parade held in New Delhi?

26 January


Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on 30 January 1948. Rajghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated on 31 January 1948 after his assassination and his ashes were buried and make it a final resting place beside the sanctity of the Yamuna River. The Raj Ghat in the shape of large square platform with black marble was designed by architect Vanu Bhuta.

In which location did Mahatma Gandhi spend the final 144 days of his life?

Gandhi Smriti

In which city is the Gandhi Smriti located?

New Delhi

On which date was Mahatma Gandhi killed?

30 January 1948

In what location was Mahatma Gandhi cremated?

Rajghat

The Raj Ghat was designed by what architect?

Vanu Bhuta


Jantar Mantar located in Connaught Place was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets.

Who was responsible for constructing the Jantar Mantar?

Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur

In what area of New Delhi is the Jantar Mantar observatory located?

Connaught Place

The Jantar Mantar consists of how many architectural astronomy instruments?

What is one of the primary purposes of the Jantar Mantar observatory?

compile astronomical tables

What is the name of the observatory built in Connaught Place by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur?

Jantar Mantar


New Delhi is home to Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, National Museum of Natural History, National Rail Museum, National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, National Philatelic Museum, Nehru Planetarium, Shankar's International Dolls Museum. and Supreme Court of India Museum.

What is the name of the major railroad related museum located in New Delhi?

National Rail Museum

What is the name of the doll themed museum located in New Delhi?

Shankar's International Dolls Museum

The Supreme Court of India Museum is located in what major city?

New Delhi

What is the name of the modern art museum located in new Delhi?

National Gallery of Modern Art

The National Philatelic Museum is located in which large Indian city?

New Delhi


New Delhi is particularly renowned for its beautifully landscaped gardens that can look quite stunning in spring. The largest of these include Buddha Jayanti Park and the historic Lodi Gardens. In addition, there are the gardens in the Presidential Estate, the gardens along the Rajpath and India Gate, the gardens along Shanti Path, the Rose Garden, Nehru Park and the Railway Garden in Chanakya Puri. Also of note is the garden adjacent to the Jangpura Metro Station near the Defence Colony Flyover, as are the roundabout and neighbourhood gardens throughout the city.

The Buddha Jayanti Park is located in which Indian city?

New Delhi

A notable New Delhi garden is located adjacent to what metro station?

Jangpura Metro Station

The gardens of New Delhi are particularly stunning in which season?

spring

New Delhi is well known for what type of beautifully landscaped feature?

gardens

What is the name of one of the largest gardens in new Delhi?

Buddha Jayanti Park


The city hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games and annually hosts Delhi Half Marathon foot-race. The city has previously hosted the 1951 Asian Games and the 1982 Asian Games. New Delhi was interested  in bidding for the 2019 Asian Games but was turned down by the government on 2 August 2010 amid allegations of corruption in 2010 Commonwealth Games .

New Delhi played host to what major athletic competition in 2010?

Commonwealth Games

New Delhi first hosted the Asian Games in what year?

The Asian Games were most recently held in New Delhi in what year?

New Delhi's bid for the 2019 Asian Games was turned down by the government for what reason?

allegations of corruption

New Delhi is the annual host of what foot-race?

Delhi Half Marathon


Major sporting venues in New Delhi include the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Ambedkar Stadium, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, R.K. Khanna Tennis Complex, Dhyan Chand National Stadium and Siri Fort Sports Complex.

What major tennis stadium is located in New Delhi?

R.K. Khanna Tennis Complex

What major sports venue in New Delhi bears the name of the former prime minister Indira Gandhi?

Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is located in which Indian city?

New Delhi

In which Indian city is the Siri Fort Sports Complex located?

New Delhi

The Dhyan Chand National Stadium is located in which major Indian city?

New Delhi


New Delhi is the largest commercial city in northern India. It has an estimated net State Domestic Product (FY 2010) of ₹1595 billion (US$23 billion) in nominal terms and ~₹6800 billion (US$100 billion) in PPP terms. As of 2013, the per capita income of Delhi was Rs. 230000, second highest in India after Goa. GSDP in Delhi at the current prices for 2012-13 is estimated at Rs 3.88 trillion (short scale) against Rs 3.11 trillion (short scale) in 2011-12.

What was the estimated net State Domestic Product of New Delhi for 2010?

₹1595 billion

The per capita income of New Delhi was second only to what Indian municipality?

Goa

What was the 2012-13 current price estimate for GSDP in Delhi?

Rs 3.88 trillion

What was the 2011-12 GSDP estimate for Delhi?

Rs 3.11 trillion

What is the per capita income of Delhi as of 2013?

Rs. 230000


Connaught Place, one of North India's largest commercial and financial centres, is located in the northern part of New Delhi. Adjoining areas such as Barakhamba Road, ITO are also major commercial centres. Government and quasi government sector was the primary employer in New Delhi. The city's service sector has expanded due in part to the large skilled English-speaking workforce that has attracted many multinational companies. Key service industries include information technology, telecommunications, hotels, banking, media and tourism.

What is the name of the large commercial and financial district located in the northern part of New Delhi?

Connaught Place

New Delhi's service sector has expanded largely due to skilled workers that speak what language?

English

What is one of the key service industries of New Delhi?

information technology

Prior to the expansion of the service sector, what sector was the largest employer in New Delhi?

Government

The large skilled English-speaking workforce of New Delhi has been able to attract what type of organizations to the city?

multinational companies


The 2011 World Wealth Report ranks economic activity in New Delhi at 39, but overall the capital is ranked at 37, above cities like Jakarta and Johannesburg. New Delhi with Beijing shares the top position as the most targeted emerging markets retail destination among Asia-Pacific markets.

According to the 2011 World Health Report, where does New Delhi rank in terms of economic activity?

New Delhi shares the position as the most targeted retail destination in Asia-Pacific markets with what other city?

Beijing

What organization ranked New Delhi 39th in economic activity in 2011?

World Wealth Report

Major cities like Jakarta and Johannesburg rank below New Delhi in what key statistic?

economic activity

In which year was New Delhi ranked 39th in economic activity by the World Wealth Report?


The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi does not release any economic figures specifically for New Delhi but publishes an official economic report on the whole of Delhi annually. According to the Economic Survey of Delhi, the metropolis has a net State Domestic Product (SDP) of Rs. 83,085 crores (for the year 2004–05) and a per capita income of Rs. 53,976($1,200). In the year 2008–09 New Delhi had a Per Capita Income of Rs.1,16,886 ($2,595).It grew by 16.2% to reach Rs.1,35,814 ($3,018) in 2009–10 fiscal. New Delhi's Per Capita GDP (at PPP) was at $6,860 during 2009–10 fiscal, making it one of the richest cities in India. The tertiary sector contributes 78.4% of Delhi's gross SDP followed by secondary and primary sectors with 20.2% and 1.4% contribution respectively.

What government body is responsible for releasing the annual official economic report for Delhi?

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi

What was the 2004-05 State Domestic Product of Delhi?

83,085 crores

What was the 2008-09 Per Capita income of New Delhi?

What was New Delhi's Per Capita GDP in dollars for 2009-10?

New Delhi's Per Capita income grew by what percentage in 2009-10?


The gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Delhi at current prices for the year 2011-12 has been estimated at Rs 3.13 lakh crore, which is an increase of 18.7 per cent over the previous fiscal.

What was the gross state domestic product of Delhi for 2011-12?

Rs 3.13 lakh crore

The GSDP of Delhi increased by what percentage over the previous year in 2011-12?

In which fiscal year was the GSDP of Delhi estimated at Rs 3.13 lakh crore?

Did the GSDP of Delhi in 2011-12 increase or decrease from the previous fiscal year?

increase


The city is home to numerous international organisations. The Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology of the UNESCAP servicing the Asia-Pacific region is headquartered in New Delhi. New Delhi is home to most UN regional offices in India namely the UNDP, UNODC, UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP, UNV, UNCTAD, FAO, UNFPA, WHO, World Bank, ILO, IMF, UNIFEM, IFC and UNAIDS.

In what city is the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology located?

New Delhi

What major city is home to most regional UN offices in India?

New Delhi

What is one regional UN office located in New Delhi?

UNDP

The regional office of the World Bank in India is located in what city?

New Delhi

The regional offices of the IMF, UNICEF, and UNESCO are all located in what major Indian city?

New Delhi


Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south along a flyway, between breeding and wintering grounds. Many species of bird migrate. Migration carries high costs in predation and mortality, including from hunting by humans, and is driven primarily by availability of food. It occurs mainly in the northern hemisphere, where birds are funnelled on to specific routes by natural barriers such as the Mediterranean Sea or the Caribbean Sea.

Where does migration mainly occur?

the northern hemisphere

Why do birds primarily migrate?

availability of food

Which birds migrate?

Many species

What is bird migration?

the regular seasonal movement, often north and south along a flyway, between breeding and wintering grounds

What is a cause of death to birds during migration?

humans


Historically, migration has been recorded as much as 3,000 years ago by Ancient Greek authors including Homer and Aristotle, and in the Book of Job, for species such as storks, turtle doves, and swallows. More recently, Johannes Leche began recording dates of arrivals of spring migrants in Finland in 1749, and scientific studies have used techniques including bird ringing and satellite tracking. Threats to migratory birds have grown with habitat destruction especially of stopover and wintering sites, as well as structures such as power lines and wind farms.

When was migration first recorded?

3,000 years ago

Who recorded the earliest records of migration?

Homer and Aristotle, and in the Book of Job

Where was Johannes Leche from?

Finland

Which species of birds were recorded 3,000 years ago?

storks, turtle doves, and swallows

What is a major threat to migratory birds?

habitat destruction


The Arctic tern holds the long-distance migration record for birds, travelling between Arctic breeding grounds and the Antarctic each year. Some species of tubenoses (Procellariiformes) such as albatrosses circle the earth, flying over the southern oceans, while others such as Manx shearwaters migrate 14,000 km (8,700 mi) between their northern breeding grounds and the southern ocean. Shorter migrations are common, including altitudinal migrations on mountains such as the Andes and Himalayas.

Which birds migrate the furthest?

The Arctic tern

Where does the Arctic tern migrate each year?

between Arctic breeding grounds and the Antarctic

which bird migrates by circling the earth?

albatrosses

Where do Manx shearwaters migrate?

between their northern breeding grounds and the southern ocean

What is an example of a shorter migration?

altitudinal migrations on mountains such as the Andes and Himalayas


The timing of migration seems to be controlled primarily by changes in day length. Migrating birds navigate using celestial cues from the sun and stars, the earth's magnetic field, and probably also mental maps.

What causes the timing of migration?

changes in day length

How do migrating birds navigate?

celestial cues from the sun and stars

How else to migrating birds navigate?

the earth's magnetic field

What might help migrating birds navigate?

mental maps


Records of bird migration were made as much as 3,000 years ago by the Ancient Greek writers Hesiod, Homer, Herodotus and Aristotle. The Bible also notes migrations, as in the Book of Job (39:26), where the inquiry is made: "Is it by your insight that the hawk hovers, spreads its wings southward?" The author of Jeremiah (8:7) wrote: "Even the stork in the heavens knows its seasons, and the turtle dove, the swift and the crane keep the time of their arrival."

Who recorded early records of migration?

Ancient Greek writers

Where in the bible does it mention migration?

the Book of Job (39:26)

What bird is mentioned in the book of Job?

hawk


Aristotle noted that cranes traveled from the steppes of Scythia to marshes at the headwaters of the Nile. Pliny the Elder, in his Historia Naturalis, repeats Aristotle's observations.

Who noted that cranes traveled from Scythia to the Nile?

Aristotle

Who repeats Aristotle's observations?

Pliny the Elder

Where did Pliny the Elder repeat Aristotle's observations?

in his Historia Naturalis

What kind of bird did Aristotle and Pliny the Elder write about?

cranes


Aristotle however suggested that swallows and other birds hibernated. This belief persisted as late as 1878, when Elliott Coues listed the titles of no less than 182 papers dealing with the hibernation of swallows. Even the "highly observant" Gilbert White, in his posthumously published 1789 The Natural History of Selborne, quoted a man's story about swallows being found in a chalk cliff collapse "while he was a schoolboy at Brighthelmstone", though the man denied being an eyewitness. However, he also writes that "as to swallows being found in a torpid state during the winter in the Isle of Wight or any part of this country, I never heard any such account worth attending to", and that if early swallows "happen to find frost and snow they immediately withdraw for a time—a circumstance this much more in favour of hiding than migration", since he doubts they would "return for a week or two to warmer latitudes".

Which bird did Aristotle believe hibernated?

swallows

Until what year did the belief of hibernating birds persist?

Who wrote 182 papers dealing with the hibernation of swallows?

Elliott Coues

Who wrote "The Natural History of Selborne"?

Gilbert White


It was not until the end of the eighteenth century that migration as an explanation for the winter disappearance of birds from northern climes was accepted. Thomas Bewick's A History of British Birds (Volume 1, 1797) mentions a report from "a very intelligent master of a vessel" who, "between the islands of Minorca and Majorca, saw great numbers of Swallows flying northward", and states the situation in Britain as follows:

When was migration finally accepted?

the end of the eighteenth century

Who wrote A History of British Birds?

Thomas Bewick

What year was Thomas Bewick's book published?

Where were Swallows seen flying?

between the islands of Minorca and Majorca

Which directions were the Swallows flying?

northward


Bewick then describes an experiment which succeeded in keeping swallows alive in Britain for several years, where they remained warm and dry through the winters. He concludes:

Who describes an experiment with swallows?

Bewick

Where did this experiment take place?

Britain

How did the experiment succeed?

they remained warm and dry through the winters

How long did the birds stay alive?

several years


Migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south, undertaken by many species of birds. Bird movements include those made in response to changes in food availability, habitat, or weather. Sometimes, journeys are not termed "true migration" because they are irregular (nomadism, invasions, irruptions) or in only one direction (dispersal, movement of young away from natal area). Migration is marked by its annual seasonality. Non-migratory birds are said to be resident or sedentary. Approximately 1800 of the world's 10,000 bird species are long-distance migrants.

Why do birds migrate?

response to changes in food availability, habitat, or weather

What are non=migratory birds called?

resident or sedentary

How many species of birds are there?

How many bird species are long distance migrants?

Which direction do birds primarily migrate?

north and south


Many bird populations migrate long distances along a flyway. The most common pattern involves flying north in the spring to breed in the temperate or Arctic summer and returning in the autumn to wintering grounds in warmer regions to the south. Of course, in the southern hemisphere the directions are reversed, but there is less land area in the far south to support long-distance migration.

Along where do many birds migrate?

a flyway

What is the most common pattern of migration in the spring?

flying north

What is the most common directionof migration in autumn?

south

Why do the birds fly north?

to breed


The primary motivation for migration appears to be food; for example, some hummingbirds choose not to migrate if fed through the winter. Also, the longer days of the northern summer provide extended time for breeding birds to feed their young. This helps diurnal birds to produce larger clutches than related non-migratory species that remain in the tropics. As the days shorten in autumn, the birds return to warmer regions where the available food supply varies little with the season.

What is the primary motivation for migration?

food

Which birds will not migrate if they are well fed through winter?

hummingbirds

When do the birds return to warmer regions?

autumn

what do the longer days of summer provide the birds?

time for breeding birds to feed their young.

What do diurnal birds produce as opposed to non migratory species?

larger clutches


These advantages offset the high stress, physical exertion costs, and other risks of the migration. Predation can be heightened during migration: Eleonora's falcon Falco eleonorae, which breeds on Mediterranean islands, has a very late breeding season, coordinated with the autumn passage of southbound passerine migrants, which it feeds to its young. A similar strategy is adopted by the greater noctule bat, which preys on nocturnal passerine migrants. The higher concentrations of migrating birds at stopover sites make them prone to parasites and pathogens, which require a heightened immune response.

What is hightened during migration?

Predation

Where do Eleonora's falcon breed?

Mediterranean islands

What do Eleonora's falcon feed their young?

southbound passerine migrants

What preys on nocturnal passerine migrants?

the greater noctule bat

What makes birds prone to parasites and pathogens?

higher concentrations of migrating birds


Within a species not all populations may be migratory; this is known as "partial migration". Partial migration is very common in the southern continents; in Australia, 44% of non-passerine birds and 32% of passerine species are partially migratory. In some species, the population at higher latitudes tends to be migratory and will often winter at lower latitude. The migrating birds bypass the latitudes where other populations may be sedentary, where suitable wintering habitats may already be occupied. This is an example of leap-frog migration. Many fully migratory species show leap-frog migration (birds that nest at higher latitudes spend the winter at lower latitudes), and many show the alternative, chain migration, where populations 'slide' more evenly north and south without reversing order.

What is partial migration?

not all populations may be migratory

Where is partial migration most common?

the southern continents

In Australia, what percent of non-passerine birds are partially migratory?

In Australia, what percent of passerine species are partially migratory?

What is leap frog migration?

birds that nest at higher latitudes spend the winter at lower latitudes


Within a population, it is common for different ages and/or sexes to have different patterns of timing and distance. Female chaffinches Fringilla coelebs in Eastern Fennoscandia migrate earlier in the autumn than males do.

Which sex of the chaffinches Fringilla coelebs migrate earlier?

Female

Where are chaffinches Fringilla coelebs from?

Eastern Fennoscandia

When do the chaffinches Fringilla coelebs migrate?

autumn


Most migrations begin with the birds starting off in a broad front. Often, this front narrows into one or more preferred routes termed flyways. These routes typically follow mountain ranges or coastlines, sometimes rivers, and may take advantage of updrafts and other wind patterns or avoid geographical barriers such as large stretches of open water. The specific routes may be genetically programmed or learned to varying degrees. The routes taken on forward and return migration are often different. A common pattern in North America is clockwise migration, where birds flying North tend to be further West, and flying South tend to shift Eastwards.

How do most migrations begin?

the birds starting off in a broad front

What to the migrating birds usually follow?

mountain ranges or coastlines

What obsticals will migrating birds avoid?

large stretches of open water

What is a common pattern in North America migration?

clockwise

What are the preferred routes for migration called?

flyways


Many, if not most, birds migrate in flocks. For larger birds, flying in flocks reduces the energy cost. Geese in a V-formation may conserve 12–20% of the energy they would need to fly alone. Red knots Calidris canutus and dunlins Calidris alpina were found in radar studies to fly 5 km/h (3.1 mph) faster in flocks than when they were flying alone.

How do most birds migrate?

in flocks

How much energy do geese conserve flying in a flock?

How much faster do Red knots and dunlins fly in a flock?

3.1 mph

How do birds conserve energy?

a V-formation

What does flying in flocks reduce?

energy cost


Birds fly at varying altitudes during migration. An expedition to Mt. Everest found skeletons of northern pintail Anas acuta and black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa at 5,000 m (16,000 ft) on the Khumbu Glacier. Bar-headed geese Anser indicus have been recorded by GPS flying at up to 6,540 metres (21,460 ft) while crossing the Himalayas, at the same time engaging in the highest rates of climb to altitude for any bird. Anecdotal reports of them flying much higher have yet to be corroborated with any direct evidence. Seabirds fly low over water but gain altitude when crossing land, and the reverse pattern is seen in landbirds. However most bird migration is in the range of 150 to 600 m (490 to 1,970 ft). Bird strike aviation records from the United States show most collisions occur below 600 m (2,000 ft) and almost none above 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

What part of birds was found on an expedition to Mt. Everest?

skeletons

Which birds have the highest rates of climb to altitude?

Bar-headed geese Anser indicus

What kind of birds fly low over water?

Seabirds

What altitude range is most migration recorded?

150 to 600 m

Where do most in air collisions occur?

below 600 m


Bird migration is not limited to birds that can fly. Most species of penguin (Spheniscidae) migrate by swimming. These routes can cover over 1,000 km (620 mi). Dusky grouse Dendragapus obscurus perform altitudinal migration mostly by walking. Emus Dromaius novaehollandiae in Australia have been observed to undertake long-distance movements on foot during droughts.

How do penguins migrate?

by swimming

How far do penguins travel when they migrate?

over 1,000 km

How do Dusky grouse migrate?

mostly by walking

How do Emus migrate long distances during droughts?

on foot

Where are Emus from?

Australia


The typical image of migration is of northern landbirds, such as swallows (Hirundinidae) and birds of prey, making long flights to the tropics. However, many Holarctic wildfowl and finch (Fringillidae) species winter in the North Temperate Zone, in regions with milder winters than their summer breeding grounds. For example, the pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus migrates from Iceland to Britain and neighbouring countries, whilst the dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis migrates from subarctic and arctic climates to the contiguous United States and the American goldfinch from taiga to wintering grounds extending from the American South northwestward to Western Oregon. Migratory routes and wintering grounds are traditional and learned by young during their first migration with their parents. Some ducks, such as the garganey Anas querquedula, move completely or partially into the tropics. The European pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca also follows this migratory trend, breeding in Asia and Europe and wintering in Africa.

Where do the pink-footed goose migrate?

from Iceland to Britain

Where do the dark-eyed junco migrate?

arctic climates to the contiguous United States

Where do the European pied flycatcher breed?

Asia and Europe

Where does the European pied flycatcher spend the winter?

Africa

How do young learn migratory routes?

during their first migration with their parents


Often, the migration route of a long-distance migrator bird doesn't follow a straight line between breeding and wintering grounds. Rather, it could follow an hooked or arched line, with detours around geographical barriers. For most land-birds, such barriers could consist in seas, large water bodies or high mountain ranges, because of the lack of stopover or feeding sites, or the lack of thermal columns for broad-winged birds.

What route does a migrating bird usually follow?

an hooked or arched line

What geographical barriers to land birds try to avoid?

large water bodies or high mountain ranges

Why do migrating land birds avoid large water bodies or mountain ranges?

the lack of stopover or feeding sites

Why do broad winged birds avoid geographical barriers?

lack of thermal columns


The same considerations about barriers and detours that apply to long-distance land-bird migration apply to water birds, but in reverse: a large area of land without bodies of water that offer feeding sites may also be a barrier to a bird that feeds in coastal waters. Detours avoiding such barriers are observed: for example, brent geese Branta bernicla migrating from the Taymyr Peninsula to the Wadden Sea travel via the White Sea coast and the Baltic Sea rather than directly across the Arctic Ocean and northern Scandinavia.

What do water birds avoid while migrating?

a large area of land without bodies of water

Where do brent geese migrate from?

the Taymyr Peninsula

Where do brent geese migrate to?

the Wadden Sea

How do brent geese migrate?

via the White Sea coast and the Baltic Sea


A similar situation occurs with waders (called shorebirds in North America). Many species, such as dunlin Calidris alpina and western sandpiper Calidris mauri, undertake long movements from their Arctic breeding grounds to warmer locations in the same hemisphere, but others such as semipalmated sandpiper C. pusilla travel longer distances to the tropics in the Southern Hemisphere.

What are waders called in North America?

shorebirds

Where do dunlin Calidris alpina migrate to?

warmer locations in the same hemisphere

Where do semiplamated sandpiper C. pusilla migrate to?

the tropics in the Southern Hemisphere

Where do western sandpiper Calidris migrate from?

Arctic breeding grounds


For some species of waders, migration success depends on the availability of certain key food resources at stopover points along the migration route. This gives the migrants an opportunity to refuel for the next leg of the voyage. Some examples of important stopover locations are the Bay of Fundy and Delaware Bay.

What does successful migration depend on for some waders?

the availability of certain key food resources

Where do migrants refuel?

stopover points along the migration route

Where is an important stopover location?

the Bay of Fundy

What is another stopover location?

Delaware Bay


Some bar-tailed godwits Limosa lapponica have the longest known non-stop flight of any migrant, flying 11,000 km from Alaska to their New Zealand non-breeding areas. Prior to migration, 55 percent of their bodyweight is stored as fat to fuel this uninterrupted journey.

Which bird has the longest migration?

bar-tailed godwits

How far do bar-tailed godwits travel to migrate?

11,000 km

Where do bar-tailed godwits migrate from

Alaska

Where do bar-tailed godwits migrate to?

New Zealand

How much of the bar-tailed godwits bodyweight is stored as fat before migration?

55 percent


Seabird migration is similar in pattern to those of the waders and waterfowl. Some, such as the black guillemot Cepphus grylle and some gulls, are quite sedentary; others, such as most terns and auks breeding in the temperate northern hemisphere, move varying distances south in the northern winter. The Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea has the longest-distance migration of any bird, and sees more daylight than any other, moving from its Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic non-breeding areas. One Arctic tern, ringed (banded) as a chick on the Farne Islands off the British east coast, reached Melbourne, Australia in just three months from fledging, a sea journey of over 22,000 km (14,000 mi). Many tubenosed birds breed in the southern hemisphere and migrate north in the southern winter.

Which seabird has the longest-distance migration?

The Arctic tern

Which bird sees more daylight than any other during migration?

The Arctic tern

How long did one Arctic tern take to migrate?

three months

How far did the Arctic tern chick travel?

22,000 km

Where do tubenosed birds breed?

the southern hemisphere


The most pelagic species, mainly in the 'tubenose' order Procellariiformes, are great wanderers, and the albatrosses of the southern oceans may circle the globe as they ride the "roaring forties" outside the breeding season. The tubenoses spread widely over large areas of open ocean, but congregate when food becomes available. Many are also among the longest-distance migrants; sooty shearwaters Puffinus griseus nesting on the Falkland Islands migrate 14,000 km (8,700 mi) between the breeding colony and the North Atlantic Ocean off Norway. Some Manx shearwaters Puffinus puffinus do this same journey in reverse. As they are long-lived birds, they may cover enormous distances during their lives; one record-breaking Manx shearwater is calculated to have flown 8 million km (5 million miles) during its over-50 year lifespan.

Which species are great wanderers?

pelagic

Which bird broke a record in how far it flew over it's life?

Manx shearwater

How far did a Manx shearwater fly over it's lifespan?

8 million km

How long did the Manx shearwater live?

50 year

How far will Puffinus griseus migrate each year?

14,000 km


Some large broad-winged birds rely on thermal columns of rising hot air to enable them to soar. These include many birds of prey such as vultures, eagles, and buzzards, but also storks. These birds migrate in the daytime. Migratory species in these groups have great difficulty crossing large bodies of water, since thermals only form over land, and these birds cannot maintain active flight for long distances. Mediterranean and other seas present a major obstacle to soaring birds, which must cross at the narrowest points. Massive numbers of large raptors and storks pass through areas such as the Strait of Messina, Gibraltar, Falsterbo, and the Bosphorus at migration times. More common species, such as the European honey buzzard Pernis apivorus, can be counted in hundreds of thousands in autumn. Other barriers, such as mountain ranges, can also cause funnelling, particularly of large diurnal migrants. This is a notable factor in the Central American migratory bottleneck. Batumi bottleneck in the Caucasus is one of the heaviest migratory funnels on earth. Avoiding flying over the Black Sea surface and across high mountains, hundreds of thousands of soaring birds funnel through an area around the city of Batumi, Georgia. Birds of prey such as honey buzzards which migrate using thermals lose only 10 to 20% of their weight during migration, which may explain why they forage less during migration than do smaller birds of prey with more active flight such as falcons, hawks and harriers.

What do some large broad-winged birds rely on to help them soar?

thermal columns of rising hot air

When do large birds of pray migrate?

daytime

What is one of the heaviest migratory funnels?

Batumi bottleneck

How much of their body weight do honey buzzards lose during migration?

10 to 20%

How many birds funnel through Batumi, Georgia each year?

hundreds of thousands


Many of the smaller insectivorous birds including the warblers, hummingbirds and flycatchers migrate large distances, usually at night. They land in the morning and may feed for a few days before resuming their migration. The birds are referred to as passage migrants in the regions where they occur for short durations between the origin and destination.

When do many insectivorous birds migrate?

usually at night

Which kinds of birds land for a few days before resuming migration?

smaller insectivorous birds

What are smaller insectivorous birds referred to?

passage migrants

How long do passage migrants stop and feed before resuming migration?

a few days


Nocturnal migrants minimize predation, avoid overheating, and can feed during the day. One cost of nocturnal migration is the loss of sleep. Migrants may be able to alter their quality of sleep to compensate for the loss.

What is a benefit of nocturnal migration?

minimize predation

What is a cost of nocturnal migration?

loss of sleep

How do nocturnal migrants compensate for loss of sleep?

Migrants may be able to alter their quality of sleep

What is another benefit of nocturnal migration?

avoid overheating


Many long-distance migrants appear to be genetically programmed to respond to changing day length. Species that move short distances, however, may not need such a timing mechanism, instead moving in response to local weather conditions. Thus mountain and moorland breeders, such as wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria and white-throated dipper Cinclus cinclus, may move only altitudinally to escape the cold higher ground. Other species such as merlin Falco columbarius and Eurasian skylark Alauda arvensis move further, to the coast or towards the south. Species like the chaffinch are much less migratory in Britain than those of continental Europe, mostly not moving more than 5 km in their lives.

What are many long distance migrants genetically programmed to do?

respond to changing day length

How do species that move short distances know when to migrate?

response to local weather conditions

Why do mountain and moorland breeders move only altitudinally?

to escape the cold higher ground

Where do the merlin Falco columbarius migrate to?

the coast or towards the south

How far do British chaffinch more in their lives?

5 km


Short-distance passerine migrants have two evolutionary origins. Those that have long-distance migrants in the same family, such as the common chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, are species of southern hemisphere origins that have progressively shortened their return migration to stay in the northern hemisphere.

How many evolutionary origins do short distance passerine migrants have?

two

Which species have long-distance migrants in the same family?

the common chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

Why have some specied progressively shortened their return migration?

to stay in the northern hemisphere


Species that have no long-distance migratory relatives, such as the waxwings Bombycilla, are effectively moving in response to winter weather and the loss of their usual winter food, rather than enhanced breeding opportunities.

What species has no long-distance migratory relatives?

the waxwings Bombycilla

What are the waxwings Bombycilla moving in response to?

winter weather and the loss of their usual winter food

Why are the waxwing Bombycilla not migrating for?

enhanced breeding opportunities


In the tropics there is little variation in the length of day throughout the year, and it is always warm enough for a food supply, but altitudinal migration occurs in some tropical birds. There is evidence that this enables the migrants to obtain more of their preferred foods such as fruits.

Where is there little variation in the length of day throughout the year?

In the tropics

Why does altitudinal migration occur in some tropical birds?

to obtain more of their preferred foods

What are tropical birds preferred foods?

fruits

Where is it always warm enough for food supply?

In the tropics


Sometimes circumstances such as a good breeding season followed by a food source failure the following year lead to irruptions in which large numbers of a species move far beyond the normal range. Bohemian waxwings Bombycilla garrulus well show this unpredictable variation in annual numbers, with five major arrivals in Britain during the nineteenth century, but 18 between the years 1937 and 2000. Red crossbills Loxia curvirostra too are irruptive, with widespread invasions across England noted in 1251, 1593, 1757, and 1791.

For what reason would birds mor far beyond the normal range?

a good breeding season followed by a food source failure

How many times did Bohemian waxwings come to Britain in the nineteeth century?

five

How many times did Bohemian waxwings come to Britain between 1937 and 200?

What years did Red crossbills invade England?

1251, 1593, 1757, and 1791


Bird migration is primarily, but not entirely, a Northern Hemisphere phenomenon. This is because land birds in high northern latitudes, where food becomes scarce in winter, leave for areas further south (including the Southern Hemisphere) to overwinter, and because the continental landmass is much larger in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, among (pelagic) seabirds, species of the Southern Hemisphere are more likely to migrate. This is because there is a large area of ocean in the Southern Hemisphere, and more islands suitable for seabirds to nest.

In which hemisphere does bird migration primarily happen?

Northern

Where do birds from high northern latitutes migrate to?

south

Why do birds migrate south in winter?

food becomes scarce

Which species of seabirds are more likely to migrate?

species of the Southern Hemisphere

Why are seabirds from the southern hemisphere more likely to migrate?

there is a large area of ocean in the Southern Hemisphere


The control of migration, its timing and response are genetically controlled and appear to be a primitive trait that is present even in non-migratory species of birds. The ability to navigate and orient themselves during migration is a much more complex phenomenon that may include both endogenous programs as well as learning.

What controls a birds migration?

a primitive trait

How do birds navigate and orient themselves during migration?

endogenous programs as well as learning

What is a primitive trait present even in non migrating birds?

migration

What is a complex phenomenon in regards to migration?

The ability to navigate


The primary physiological cue for migration are the changes in the day length. These changes are also related to hormonal changes in the birds. In the period before migration, many birds display higher activity or Zugunruhe (German: migratory restlessness), first described by Johann Friedrich Naumann in 1795, as well as physiological changes such as increased fat deposition. The occurrence of Zugunruhe even in cage-raised birds with no environmental cues (e.g. shortening of day and falling temperature) has pointed to the role of circannual endogenous programs in controlling bird migrations. Caged birds display a preferential flight direction that corresponds with the migratory direction they would take in nature, changing their preferential direction at roughly the same time their wild conspecifics change course.

What is the primary cue for migration?

changes in the day length

How do birds act in the period before migration?

higher activity

What does Zugunruhe mean in English?

migratory restlessness

What do caged birds display that corresponds with migratory direction in nature?

preferential flight direction

When do caged birds change their preferential direction?

the same time their wild conspecifics change course


In polygynous species with considerable sexual dimorphism, males tend to return earlier to the breeding sites than their females. This is termed protandry.

What is it called when males return earlier to the breeding sites than females?

protandry

What happens in polygynous species with sexual dimophism?

males tend to return earlier to the breeding sites

Why do males in polygynous species return before the females?

sexual dimorphism


Navigation is based on a variety of senses. Many birds have been shown to use a sun compass. Using the sun for direction involves the need for making compensation based on the time. Navigation has also been shown to be based on a combination of other abilities including the ability to detect magnetic fields (magnetoception), use visual landmarks as well as olfactory cues.

What is navigation based on?

a variety of senses

What do many birds use as a compass?

sun

What does using the sun for direction involve?

the need for making compensation based on the time

What else is navigation based on?

use visual landmarks

What is magnetoception?

the ability to detect magnetic fields


Long distance migrants are believed to disperse as young birds and form attachments to potential breeding sites and to favourite wintering sites. Once the site attachment is made they show high site-fidelity, visiting the same wintering sites year after year.

When do long distance migrants disperse?

as young birds

What do young birds form attachments to?

potential breeding sites

What else do young birds form attachments to?

wintering sites

What happens when the site attachment is made?

they show high site-fidelity

Where do migrating birds visit?

the same wintering sites year after year


The ability of birds to navigate during migrations cannot be fully explained by endogenous programming, even with the help of responses to environmental cues. The ability to successfully perform long-distance migrations can probably only be fully explained with an accounting for the cognitive ability of the birds to recognize habitats and form mental maps. Satellite tracking of day migrating raptors such as ospreys and honey buzzards has shown that older individuals are better at making corrections for wind drift.

What are older migrating birds better at?

making corrections for wind drift

How was the migrating of ospretys and honey buzzards tracked?

Satellite

What do the birds do to successfully perform long distance migration?

recognize habitats and form mental maps

What are examples of day migrating raptors?

ospreys and honey buzzards


Migratory birds may use two electromagnetic tools to find their destinations: one that is entirely innate and another that relies on experience. A young bird on its first migration flies in the correct direction according to the Earth's magnetic field, but does not know how far the journey will be. It does this through a radical pair mechanism whereby chemical reactions in special photo pigments sensitive to long wavelengths are affected by the field. Although this only works during daylight hours, it does not use the position of the sun in any way. At this stage the bird is in the position of a boy scout with a compass but no map, until it grows accustomed to the journey and can put its other capabilities to use. With experience it learns various landmarks and this "mapping" is done by magnetites in the trigeminal system, which tell the bird how strong the field is. Because birds migrate between northern and southern regions, the magnetic field strengths at different latitudes let it interpret the radical pair mechanism more accurately and let it know when it has reached its destination. There is a neural connection between the eye and "Cluster N", the part of the forebrain that is active during migrational orientation, suggesting that birds may actually be able to see the magnetic field of the earth.

What two electromagnetic tools do birds use to find their destinations?

one that is entirely innate and another that relies on experience

Where is the neural connection that is active during migration located?

between the eye and "Cluster N"

What is Cluster N?

the part of the forebrain that is active during migrational orientation

What is a young bird on it's first migration compared to?

a boy scout with a compass but no map

How does the magnetic field help the bird at different latitudes?

let it know when it has reached its destination


Migrating birds can lose their way and appear outside their normal ranges. This can be due to flying past their destinations as in the "spring overshoot" in which birds returning to their breeding areas overshoot and end up further north than intended. Certain areas, because of their location, have become famous as watchpoints for such birds. Examples are the Point Pelee National Park in Canada, and Spurn in England.

How can migrating birds lose their way?

flying past their destinations

What is flying past their destinations called?

spring overshoot

What location has become famous for bird overshooters?

Point Pelee National Park

What other location is famous for spring overshoot?

Spurn in England

Where do bird overshooters end up?

further north than intended


Reverse migration, where the genetic programming of young birds fails to work properly, can lead to rarities turning up as vagrants thousands of kilometres out of range.

What is it called when the genetic programing of young birds fail?

Reverse migration

What is reverse migration?

where the genetic programming of young birds fails to work properly

What does reverse migration lead to?

rarities turning up as vagrants thousands of kilometres out of range

How far out of range can rarities get?

thousands of kilometres


A related phenomenon called "abmigration" involves birds from one region joining similar birds from a different breeding region in the common winter grounds and then migrating back along with the new population. This is especially common in some waterfowl, which shift from one flyway to another.

What is it called when birds from one region join birds from a different region?

abmigration

What kind of bird is most likely to abmigrate?

waterfowl

Who do abmigrating birds return with?

the new population


It has been possible to teach a migration route to a flock of birds, for example in re-introduction schemes. After a trial with Canada geese Branta canadensis, microlight aircraft were used in the US to teach safe migration routes to reintroduced whooping cranes Grus americana.

What is a re-introduction scheme?

to teach a migration route to a flock of birds

What did they use to teach birds a migration route?

microlight aircraft

Which birds did they reintroduce to the US?

whooping cranes

Which birds did they use as a trial run?

Canada geese


Birds need to alter their metabolism in order to meet the demands of migration. The storage of energy through the accumulation of fat and the control of sleep in nocturnal migrants require special physiological adaptations. In addition, the feathers of a bird suffer from wear-and-tear and require to be molted. The timing of this molt - usually once a year but sometimes twice - varies with some species molting prior to moving to their winter grounds and others molting prior to returning to their breeding grounds. Apart from physiological adaptations, migration sometimes requires behavioural changes such as flying in flocks to reduce the energy used in migration or the risk of predation.

What do birds need to change to meet the demands of migration?

their metabolism

How often do birds molt?

usually once a year

How do birds store energy?

through the accumulation of fat and the control of sleep

Why do birds need to molt?

feathers of a bird suffer from wear-and-tear

When do birds molt?

varies with some species


Migration in birds is highly labile and is believed to have developed independently in many avian lineages. While it is agreed that the behavioral and physiological adaptations necessary for migration are under genetic control, some authors have argued that no genetic change is necessary for migratory behavior to develop in a sedentary species because the genetic framework for migratory behavior exists in nearly all avian lineages. This explains the rapid appearance of migratory behavior after the most recent glacial maximum.

How was migration developed?

independently

What is highly labile?

Migration in birds

What causes the behavioral adaptations necessary for migration?

genetic control

What exists in nearly all avian lineages?

genetic framework for migratory behavior


Theoretical analyses show that detours that increase flight distance by up to 20% will often be adaptive on aerodynamic grounds - a bird that loads itself with food to cross a long barrier flies less efficiently. However some species show circuitous migratory routes that reflect historical range expansions and are far from optimal in ecological terms. An example is the migration of continental populations of Swainson's thrush Catharus ustulatus, which fly far east across North America before turning south via Florida to reach northern South America; this route is believed to be the consequence of a range expansion that occurred about 10,000 years ago. Detours may also be caused by differential wind conditions, predation risk, or other factors.

What percentage increase in flight distance will often be adaptive?

What kind of bird flies less efficiently?

a bird that loads itself with food

What type of bird show circuitous migratory routes?

Swainson's thrush

Where do Swainson's thrush fly from?

far east across North America


Large scale climatic changes, as have been experienced in the past, are expected to have an effect on the timing of migration. Studies have shown a variety of effects including timing changes in migration, breeding as well as population variations.

What is expected to have an effect on migration timing?

climatic changes

What have studies shown regarding climate change?

timing changes in migration

What else is climate change been shown to change?

breeding as well as population variations


The migration of birds also aids the movement of other species, including those of ectoparasites such as ticks and lice, which in turn may carry micro-organisms including those of concern to human health. Due to the global spread of avian influenza, bird migration has been studied as a possible mechanism of disease transmission, but it has been found not to present a special risk; import of pet and domestic birds is a greater threat. Some viruses that are maintained in birds without lethal effects, such as the West Nile Virus may however be spread by migrating birds. Birds may also have a role in the dispersal of propagules of plants and plankton.

What other species does migration help?

ectoparasites such as ticks and lice

What is a greater threat of disease transmission?

import of pet and domestic birds

What has been studied as a mechanism of disease transmission?

bird migration

What has a role in the dispersal of propagules of plants and plankton?

Birds

What virus is maintained in birds without lethal effects?

West Nile Virus


Some predators take advantage of the concentration of birds during migration. Greater noctule bats feed on nocturnal migrating passerines. Some birds of prey specialize on migrating waders.

Who takes advantage of migrating birds?

Greater noctule bats

What do greater noctule bats feed on?

nocturnal migrating passerines

What do some birds of prey specialize on?

migrating waders


Bird migration routes have been studied by a variety of techniques including the oldest, marking. Swans have been marked with a nick on the beak since about 1560 in England. Scientific ringing was pioneered by Hans Christian Cornelius Mortensen in 1899. Other techniques include radar and satellite tracking.

What is the oldest way to study migration?

marking

How have swans been marked?

a nick on the beak

Since when have swans been marked?

Who was scientific ringing pioneered by?

Hans Christian Cornelius Mortensen

What are other forms of studying migration?

radar and satellite tracking


Orientation behaviour studies have been traditionally carried out using variants of a setup known as the Emlen funnel, which consists of a circular cage with the top covered by glass or wire-screen so that either the sky is visible or the setup is placed in a planetarium or with other controls on environmental cues. The orientation behaviour of the bird inside the cage is studied quantitatively using the distribution of marks that the bird leaves on the walls of the cage. Other approaches used in pigeon homing studies make use of the direction in which the bird vanishes on the horizon.

How are orientation behavior studies traditionally carried out?

the Emlen funnel

What shape is the cage in the Emlen funnel?

circular

What is studied quantitatively inside the cage?

The orientation behaviour

What does the bird leave on the walls of the cage?

marks

Where does the homing pigeon vanish?

on the horizon


Hunting along migration routes threatens some bird species. The populations of Siberian cranes (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) that wintered in India declined due to hunting along the route, particularly in Afghanistan and Central Asia. Birds were last seen in their favourite wintering grounds in Keoladeo National Park in 2002. Structures such as power lines, wind farms and offshore oil-rigs have also been known to affect migratory birds. Other migration hazards include pollution, storms, wildfires, and habitat destruction along migration routes, denying migrants food at stopover points. For example, in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, up to 65% of key intertidal habitat at the Yellow Sea migration bottleneck has been destroyed since the 1950s.

What threatens some bird species?

Hunting along migration routes

What species declined due to hunting in Afghanistand and Asia?

Siberian cranes

When were birds last seen in Keoladeo National Park?

What can power lines, wind farms and oil rigs affect?

migratory birds

What are other migration hazards?

pollution, storms, wildfires, and habitat destruction


It is on Absecon Island, on the Atlantic coast. Atlantic City was incorporated on May 1, 1854, from portions of Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township. The city borders Absecon, Brigantine, Pleasantville, Ventnor City and West Atlantic City.

What is the name of the island on which Atlantic City is located?

Absecon Island

In what year was Atlantic City incorporated?

What are the names of the two townships that became part of Atlantic City when it was incorporated?

Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township

How many other towns share a border with Atlantic City?

Absecon, Brigantine, Pleasantville, Ventnor City and West Atlantic City

Which coast is Atlantic City located on?

Atlantic


Because of its location in South Jersey, hugging the Atlantic Ocean between marshlands and islands, Atlantic City was viewed by developers as prime real estate and a potential resort town. In 1853, the first commercial hotel, The Belloe House, located at Massachusetts and Atlantic Avenue, was built.

What is the name of the first commercial hotel built in Atlantic City?

The Belloe House

In what year was the first commercial hotel built in Atlantic City?

What are the names of the two avenues at which The Belloe House is located?

Massachusetts and Atlantic Avenue

What are the two geographical features that Atlantic City is located between?

marshlands and islands

What were the two potential aspects of Atlantic City that originally attracted developers?

prime real estate and a potential resort town


The city was incorporated in 1854, the same year in which the Camden and Atlantic Railroad train service began. Built on the edge of the bay, this served as the direct link of this remote parcel of land with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That same year, construction of the Absecon Lighthouse, designed by George Meade of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, was approved, with work initiated the next year. By 1874, almost 500,000 passengers a year were coming to Atlantic City by rail. In Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City, "Atlantic City's Godfather" Nelson Johnson describes the inspiration of Dr. Jonathan Pitney (the "Father of Atlantic City") to develop Atlantic City as a health resort, his efforts to convince the municipal authorities that a railroad to the beach would be beneficial, his successful alliance with Samuel Richards (entrepreneur and member of the most influential family in southern New Jersey at the time) to achieve that goal, the actual building of the railroad, and the experience of the first 600 riders, who "were chosen carefully by Samuel Richards and Jonathan Pitney":

What other US city was linked to Atlantic City by the Camden and Atlantic Railroad train service?

Philadelphia

By 1874, how many passengers were coming to Atlantic City by rail each year?

What is the name of the lighthouse that is located on the Atlantic City coast?

Absecon Lighthouse

Who is considered to be "Atlantic City's Godfather?"

Nelson Johnson


The first boardwalk was built in 1870 along a portion of the beach in an effort to help hotel owners keep sand out of their lobbies. Businesses were restricted and the boardwalk was removed each year at the end of the peak season. Because of its effectiveness and popularity, the boardwalk was expanded in length and width, and modified several times in subsequent years. The historic length of the boardwalk, before the destructive 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane, was about 7 miles (11 km) and it extended from Atlantic City to Longport, through Ventnor and Margate.

In what year was the first boardwalk built in Atlantic City?

Why was the first boardwalk built in Atlantic City?

to help hotel owners keep sand out of their lobbies

What year was the Great Atlantic Hurricane?

What was the historic length of the boardwalk before the Great Atlantic Hurricane?

about 7 miles

Before the Great Atlantic Hurricane the boardwalk extended from Atlantic City to what other city?

Longport


The first road connecting the city to the mainland at Pleasantville was completed in 1870 and charged a 30-cent toll. Albany Avenue was the first road to the mainland that was available without a toll.

The first road connected Atlantic City to which mainland town?

Pleasantville

The first road that connected Atlantic City to the mainland was completed in what year?

How much of a toll was charged on the first road to connect Atlantic City to the mainland?

What was the name of the first road to the mainland that did not charge a toll?

Albany Avenue


By 1878, because of the growing popularity of the city, one railroad line could no longer keep up with demand. Soon, the Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway was also constructed to transport tourists to Atlantic City. At this point massive hotels like The United States and Surf House, as well as smaller rooming houses, had sprung up all over town. The United States Hotel took up a full city block between Atlantic, Pacific, Delaware, and Maryland Avenues. These hotels were not only impressive in size, but featured the most updated amenities, and were considered quite luxurious for their time.

By what year was demand so great that one railroad line could no longer keep up with the demand?

What was the name of the new railway that was constructed to transport tourists to Atlantic City after 1878?

Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway

What was the name of the hotel that took up a full city block?

The United States Hotel

Besides massive hotels, what else was appearing all over Atlantic City during this period?

rooming houses

What were the names of the four avenues that surrounded The United States Hotel?

Atlantic, Pacific, Delaware, and Maryland Avenues


In the early part of the 20th century, Atlantic City went through a radical building boom. Many of the modest boarding houses that dotted the boardwalk were replaced with large hotels. Two of the city's most distinctive hotels were the Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel and the Traymore Hotel.

When did Atlantic City go through a radical building boom?

early part of the 20th century

What replaced many of the modest boarding houses?

large hotels

What were the names of two of the city's most distinctive hotels?

Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel and the Traymore Hotel

What happened to Atlantic City in the early part of the 20th century?

a radical building boom

Where were the modest boarding houses located before they were replaced by large hotels?

the boardwalk