Birds in acrobatic flight

The migration of birds

Migration - the regular movement of birds and wildlife from one part of the world to another and back again - is one of the wonders of the natural world.

Migration is a form of adaptation. Birds migrate to survive. Learning about migration is one of the best ways to understand the risks that birds and other animals must take in their daily lives - and it's a great way to interpret the changes you can see in the bird life around you.

A look at bird migrations

Willow warbler perched in a bare larch tree, Co. Durham

The incredible journey

All over the world, every year, millions of birds are on the move.
Brent goose group flying low with a backdrop of buildings, Hampshire

Which birds migrate?

Not all birds migrate, such as partridges. But they are in the minority - most birds will migrate.
Greylag geese over flash at Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve

Choosing the route

Migrating birds don't just point themselves in the right direction and hope for the best. Each species has its own route
Swifts flying over rooftops

Swifts

Swifts are in trouble. The UK has seen a 53% decline between 1995- 2016. Can you help us create 1,000 homes for swifts?

Take part in the swift survey

Swift close up

Now’s the time we start welcoming swifts back to the UK, but sadly their numbers have dropped by 53% between 1995 and 2016. This could be down to loss of nest sites. You can help! We need to know when you’ve seen a swift nest site, or a group of screaming swifts. Let us know by completing our swift survey. It will help us know if the swifts are returning and nesting here.

Take the survey

Migratory bird stories

Read all bird migration stories

Let Nature Sing

Let Nature Sing

Think of bird song. It’s likely that the song of cuckoos and nightingales will come to the top of the list. These migrants are some of our most recognisable and beautiful singers. But imagine a day when nature falls silent. It’s unthinkable, which is why we’ve set up our Let Nature Sing campaign.

Help Let Nature Sing

Get Involved

Migration news and blogs

Researchers count migrating birds as they pass Point de Grave in France.

Winging our way from...France

Monday 24 June 2019 by Jeremy Dupuy

Turtle doves are now back on their breeding grounds in East Anglia and south-east England, feeding up and raising their..

Migratory birds in a coastal landscape. RSPB migration stories.

Winging our way from...Portugal

Monday 17 June 2019 by Sonia Neves

Every spring and summer our skies become filled with the sight and sounds of migratory birds. Many of these feathered travellers..

Sunset over the sea from the Jew’s Gate Bird Observatory, Gibralter

Witnessing birds on the move in Gibraltar

Friday 24 May 2019 by Derek Gruar

Witnessing bird migration in action can be an inspiring and memorable experience. Derek Gruar from the RSPB Centre for Conservation..

Black tailed godwit chicks, tagged as part of the RSPB and WWT’s Project Godwit

Looking out for godwits

Tuesday 14 May 2019 by Hannah Ward

Black-tailed godwits that breed in the UK migrate to the warmer climes of Spain, Portugal and West Africa for the winter..

Turtle dove on a branch

A year in the life of… a Turtle Dove

Monday 13 May 2019 by Dr Susana Requena

Dr Susana Requena from the RSPB's Centre for Conservation Science explains how new technology is uncovering the secrets..

All RSPB news