What is animal migration?

Animal migration is regular movement among areas for breeding, feeding or suitable conditions, often tied to seasons or life cycles.

How migration works

Birds can fly long distances; fish may move between rivers and sea, and some mammals travel over land. Day length, landmarks, the sun, stars and Earth’s magnetic field may help navigation in different species. Not every individual migrates the same way: some populations stay put or travel shorter distances. Journeys demand energy and depend on safe stops and feeding sites.

Protecting routes

Conserving a breeding or wintering area alone may be insufficient; wetlands and corridors in between matter too. Artificial light, development, hunting, climate and changing food availability can affect migration. A sighting date does not mean an animal will arrive on exactly that day every year. BirdLife emphasizes migrants’ dependence on habitats across regions.