The Incredible Journey: Seasonal Migration of Birds

Birds migrate each year to find better climates, food sources, and safe places to raise their young.

Some birds, like the Arctic Tern, travel over 44,000 miles each year — one of the longest migrations on Earth!

Birds typically migrate in spring and fall, moving north in spring to breed and south in fall to escape the cold.

Migration is risky: birds face bad weather, exhaustion, predators, and loss of resting habitats.

Birds rely on stopover sites along their route to rest and refuel. Wetlands and forests are vital for their survival.

Shifting temperatures disrupt migration, causing birds to miss peak food times or change their routes entirely.

Some birds, like the Bar-tailed Godwit, can fly nonstop over 7,000 miles, demonstrating remarkable endurance.

Many species, such as warblers and thrushes, migrate at night to avoid predators and navigate by the stars.

We can support these journeys by protecting habitats, reducing light pollution, and keeping outdoor areas bird-friendly.

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