The factors that trigger migratory behavior in birds are difficult to explain. According to some scientists, migratory birds should be able to withstand the winter. A bird’s feathery coat is good insulation against the cold. Because a bird is warm-blooded, its body temperature always remains constant, even if the temperature of its surroundings changes. The migratory behavior seems to be instinctive, not learned. For example, many northern species leave their summer homes while the weather is still warm and food supply plentiful. Young arctic terns born at the arctic breeding grounds will take off with the flock for distant lands they have never seen. Bird migrations are probably regulated by the glandular system. Scientists suspect that the changing length of the day is the factor that triggers migratory behavior. In an experiment, migratory birds were kept in artificially lighted rooms. It was found that if periods of darkness were lengthened proportionately, the glands of the birds became active. These glands secrete hormones, which are chemicals that control numerous body functions. Shorter periods of daylight seem to change the hormone balance of birds, so that they retain more fat. This stored fat is the fuel that provides the energy for a long flight. The same experiment revealed that the birds became more excited as the artificial night was lengthened. It is no coincidence that most flocks begin their migratory flights during the night.