These Migratory Birds Travel Thousands of Miles Without Stopping

Quick Take

• Some migratory birds fly thousands of miles without stopping for food, water, or rest, and one species recently shattered a world record that scientists are still struggling to explain. See the record flights →
• Birds navigate using a sense that humans don't have, and the mechanism behind it may involve something hidden inside their eyes. Explore the eye science →
• The biggest threats to migratory birds aren't predators in the wild. They're ordinary things hiding in plain sight in cities around the world. Discover the hidden threats →
• Migratory birds do far more than travel. Remove them from the equation and entire ecosystems start to unravel in ways most people never consider. See the ecological roles →

Every year, billions of birds around the world take to the skies for their annual migration. It’s truly astonishing as these journeys often span oceans, continents, and even hemispheres. Some species travel incredibly long distances, and even though they often fly thousands of miles, they’re still able to get where they’re going seamlessly and with uncanny precision. This phenomenon is so remarkable to bird watchers around the globe that there’s even a holiday to celebrate migratory birds. 

World Migratory Bird Day is coming up on May 9, and it’s a chance for bird enthusiasts and people who enjoy learning about the natural world to come together for a common cause. In this guide, we’ll tell you about the upcoming holiday and provide many other fascinating bird migration facts.

What Is World Migratory Bird Day?

World Migratory Bird Day always takes place on the second Saturday in May (for Canada/US) and the second Saturday in October (for Mexico, Central/South America, and the Caribbean). In 2026, that means May 9 and October 10. As the name implies, this is a celebration of the world’s many migratory birds. The occasion was created in 1993 by the Smithsonian National Zoo to connect people to bird conservation. 

The day is celebrated with festivals and birdwatching events, making it enjoyable for everyone. To get you in the mood, let’s dive deeper into the science of migration.

The Purpose Behind Migration

In a word, migration is about survival. Birds often travel between regions to take advantage of food and opportunities elsewhere. 

Often, birds migrate from a cold place to a warmer one so there’s more food available. There are other factors as well, such as birds migrating to more northern locations with longer daylight hours, giving them more time to gather food and raise their chicks.

The places where birds choose to go are not random. Instead, these migration routes, often called flyways, are followed year after year across many generations, becoming ingrained in their DNA. Many birds also return to the same nesting spot each year, demonstrating a level of navigational precision that still mystifies scientists.

It’s important to note that migratory birds aren’t traveling solely for their own well-being. Many of these species also play a vital role in ecosystems:

–Pollination and seed dispersal: Helping plants reproduce across regions.
–Pest control: Consuming insects that would otherwise damage crops.
–Ecosystem connectivity: Linking distant habitats through nutrient transfer.

Their migrations also serve as indicators of environmental health. Changes in migration patterns often signal broader ecological problems, making birds important early warning systems.

Record-Breaking Travelers

It’s no exaggeration to say that what migratory birds do year after year is simply incredible. You might be surprised to learn just how far many birds will go. For example, in 2022, a world record was broken for the longest documented non-stop flight, when a bar-tailed godwit traveled from Alaska to Tasmania, Australia. That’s a non-stop flight of 8,425 miles. Even more astonishing, this and many other birds fly such distances without stopping for water, food, or rest. It’s not uncommon for some birds to fly tens of thousands of miles every year. One species, the Arctic tern, travels thousands of miles as it moves from one region to another, effectively chasing summer around the globe year-round.

Many migratory birds also travel vast distances at great speeds. Take the great snipe, for instance. This species set the record for the fastest long-distance, nonstop migratory flight when it was discovered that the bird can fly over 4,000 miles at an average speed of 50-60 miles per hour.

While most people associate migration with flight, some flightless birds also migrate. One of the most famous is the Adélie Penguin. Every year, this species travels over 8,000 miles as it follows the sun from its breeding colony to the Ross Sea region of Antarctica and back again.

Nature’s Built-In Navigation System

The ability of animals to travel such great distances is amazing in itself. However, it’s the built-in navigation system migratory birds possess that is truly a marvel and still keeps scientists on their toes.

A Multi-Layered Compass

Birds have many built-in navigation tools that help them get from point A to point B with ease.

–Sun compass: Birds use the sun’s position, adjusted by their internal biological clock, to determine the direction they need to travel.
–Star compass: When birds fly at night, they orient themselves using stars, constellations, and the rotation of the night sky.
–Landmarks: Familiar landmarks, such as rivers, coastlines, and mountain ranges, help guide birds during daytime travel.

The Magnetic Sense

Migratory birds also have a superpower of sorts: magnetoreception. This is the ability to detect the Earth’s magnetic field. Birds can use both the inclination and direction of magnetic field lines, which effectively serve as a built-in GPS, to guide their paths. Some research suggests that this ability might involve light-sensitive molecules in their eyes that react to magnetic fields.

The Perils of Migration

As you might imagine, traveling such great distances, often without stopping, is not easy. In fact, migratory birds face a gauntlet of threats as they travel the skies. Many birds don’t survive the journey due to the following obstacles:

Skyscrapers and Windows

Birds that travel over cities face many deadly hazards. One of the most prominent threats is the abundance of glass windows in skyscrapers and smaller buildings alike. The problem with glass is that it reflects the sky, confusing birds and leading to fatal collisions. Artificial light in buildings can also disorient birds mid-flight. This phenomenon is one of the leading human-related causes of bird mortality. 

Wind Turbines and Energy Infrastructure

A common concern with devices that harness renewable energy, like wind turbines, is the danger they pose to birds. Poorly placed turbines along migratory routes can pose a serious risk, as birds may collide with the spinning blades.

Habitat Loss Along Flyways

While some migratory birds fly non-stop, most depend on stopover sites—such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands—where they can rest, eat, and refuel. When these essential habitats are degraded or destroyed, birds are less likely to stop, and they may not have the energy to continue their journey. 

Climate Change

The overarching threat of climate change means the environment is changing, and this can affect birds. Rising temperatures shift the timing of seasons, potentially confusing many species. They may depart at the wrong time, leading to various challenges. Some birds may experience harsh conditions, such as droughts and extreme weather, along the way.

The effects of a changing climate can impact birds in many ways. For instance, seabirds whose food sources are in the oceans may be affected by rising water temperatures. Shorebirds that depend on coastal wetlands may be at risk as those wetlands disappear over time.

What You Can Do to Help

As you have learned, migratory birds aren’t just nice to look at; they’re instrumental in the balance of nature. It may be upsetting to learn that many birds are injured during their arduous journeys, but there are many small things you can do to help.

Reduce Light Pollution

You can help birds stay on course by turning off unnecessary outdoor lights that can cause disorientation. Many cities have “lights out” programs to protect birds. Find out if there is one in your area. If not, consider petitioning your local government to start one.

Make Your Windows Bird-Safe

As mentioned, a major risk factor for migratory birds is windows that reflect the sky. You can reduce the risk of birds flying into your windows by applying decals or using patterned glass to make them more visible.

Support Habitat Conservation

The key to saving many birds is to protect wetlands, forests, and other key habitats. Write to your elected officials or sign a petition to see what you can do to make a positive change.

Keep Cats Indoors

If a migratory bird makes a pit stop in your yard, you can help keep it safe by keeping your cats indoors so they don’t try to attack.

Participate in Citizen Science

Birdwatchers can contribute valuable data through apps and programs that track bird sightings, helping scientists monitor migration patterns.

International Cooperation Is Key

The story of migratory birds is one of resilience, precision, and endurance. The process that enables these birds to travel is still shrouded in mystery and is one of nature’s great miracles. That’s why protecting them requires global collaboration. Initiatives like World Migratory Bird Day raise awareness and promote conservation efforts across countries.

This is why it’s important to help and raise awareness whenever you can. The next time you see a flock of birds crossing the sky, consider this: they may be traveling thousands of miles, guided by the stars and the invisible pull of the planet itself, on a journey as old as life on Earth—and one that now depends, more than ever, on us.