Migration

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

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

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

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 route map

Discover the incredible journeys that animals make on their migration routes with our clickable kids’ migration route map. You’ll see the amazing journeys made by grey whales, monarch butterflies, Arctic terns, ospreys and swallows, and find out other fascinating facts about them too! Did you know Arctic terns migrate a staggering 12,000 miles (20,000 km)?

Use the map

Migration news and blogs

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..

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
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