Migratory Bird day

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is celebrated twice annually: on the second Saturday in May and again on October 11. In 2025, the theme for both dates is "Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities". This theme emphasises the importance of fostering environments that support migratory birds, focusing on urban planning, habitat creation, and reducing hazards like building collisions and pollution. 

🐦 What Is a Migratory Bird?

A migratory bird is a species that travels from one region to another, typically following a seasonal pattern. These birds migrate to find suitable breeding grounds, food sources, or more favourable climates. Migration can be triggered by changes in daylight, temperature, or food availability.

Examples of Migratory Birds in the UK 

• Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
  Migration Timing: Arrives from Africa in April/May; leaves by September/October.
  Conservation Notes: Declining due to habitat loss and fewer insects.
  Where to See: Countryside, farms, open fields, near water; widespread across the UK during summer.
• Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
  Migration Timing: Mostly resident; some move south in winter.
  Conservation Notes: Vulnerable due to habitat loss.
  Where to See: Open farmland, rough grassland, and hedgerows, often at dusk.
• Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
  Migration Timing: Arrives late April/May; leaves August/September.
  Conservation Notes: Declining due to habitat and host species loss.
  Where to See: Woodland edges, heathlands, and moorlands across the UK in spring and summer.
• Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)
  Migration Timing: Arrives April/May from West Africa; leaves August/September.
  Conservation Notes: Woodland dependent, vulnerable to fragmentation.
  Where to See: Wooded areas in northern and western UK, including parts of Scotland and Wales.
• Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
  Migration Timing: Winters in the UK October–March.
  Conservation Notes: Wetland quality vital for population stability.
  Where to See: Wetlands and lakes like Slimbridge (Gloucestershire), Rutland Water, and the Norfolk Broads.
• Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)
  Migration Timing: Arrives May; leaves late summer.
  Conservation Notes: Needs dense scrub and woodland.
  Where to See: Woodland and thick scrub across much of the UK, especially southern England.
• Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
  Migration Timing: Rare passage migrant/summer visitor; spring to early summer.
  Conservation Notes: Increasing due to climate change and habitat creation.
  Where to See: Wetlands, saltmarshes, and reservoirs such as RSPB Titchwell Marsh (Norfolk) and sites in Essex and Suffolk.
• Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
  Migration Timing: Breeds in Arctic regions; passes through UK in spring and autumn during migration.
  Conservation Notes: Longest migration of any bird -60,00 miles- and vulnerable to disturbance at breeding sites.
  Where to See: Coastal breeding colonies in northern Scotland (e.g., Fowlsheugh, Orkney, Shetland); also seen along coasts during migration.

🌱 How You Can Help

Individuals can contribute to creating bird-friendly communities by:

• Planting Native Vegetation: Supports local wildlife and provides food sources for birds.
• Reducing Window Collisions: Implementing measures to prevent birds from flying into glass surfaces.
• Minimising Light Pollution: Turning off unnecessary lights at night to prevent disorienting migrating birds.
• Advocating for Sustainable Urban Planning: Supporting initiatives that integrate natural habitats into urban development.

Would you like to learn more about birds, why not have a look at our Identifying Birds Ebook?