Where do birds from the UK migrate to?

The United Kingdom is home to around 600 species of birds, both resident and migratory. Every year, millions of birds arrive in the UK in spring to breed, while others depart in autumn to overwinter in warmer climates further south. The migratory habits of UK birds are fascinating, often involving incredibly long and arduous journeys across continents and oceans. Understanding migration patterns helps us protect important habitats and conserv

Why do UK birds migrate?

Birds migrate to take advantage of seasonal resources for breeding, feeding, and shelter. The UK has a temperate climate, with warm, long summer days for raising chicks but cold winters with fewer daylight hours and less available food. Many insectivorous and fruit-eating species cannot find enough food in winter, so they migrate south. Other birds migrate to reach optimal breeding grounds or to avoid predators. By moving with the seasons, migratory birds can exploit the best conditions year-round.

Long-distance migrants

Many UK breeding birds, including nightingales, swallows, and cuckoos, migrate all the way to sub-Saharan Africa. This journey of 4,000-5,000 miles takes around six weeks for small birds. Some long-distance migrants, like the Arctic tern, have even longer migrations – flying from the Arctic to Antarctica and back each year!

Nightjars, sand martins, and spotted flycatchers migrate across Europe and through the Mediterranean to tropical west and central Africa. Swifts, swallows, and house martins fly down to southern Africa. Chiffchaffs, wheatears, and whitethroats also travel to sub-Saharan regions.

Motivations for long journeys

Why undergo such a long, hazardous flight? The advantage is escaping the Northern winter to take advantage of abundant insects, fruits and mild weather further south. Competition for breeding grounds is also lower closer to the equator. The longer day lengths are better for feeding nestlings, allowing multiple broods. Birds are very vulnerable while breeding, so the reduced predation in Africa improves survival.

Short to medium-distance migrants

Other UK breeding birds embark on shorter but still impressive migrations within Europe and around the Mediterranean. Species like warblers, flycatchers, wheatears and stonechats migrate to southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Starlings, fieldfares, redwings and bramblings move from Scandinavia and Northern Europe to winter in the UK. The relatively mild oceanic climate of Britain and Ireland allows these birds to overwinter further north than continental areas on the same latitude.

Stopovers to refuel

Most migrants break their journey at stopover sites to rest and feed. Northern Europe provides plentiful stopovers heading southwest, while Gibraltar, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East offer final refueling before the Sahara crossing. Stopovers are critical, but expanding human activity threatens many important sites.

Partial migration

Some UK bird populations are partially migratory, with some individuals staying put while others migrate. This helps hedge bets against unpredictable conditions. For example, roughly half of UK Swallows migrate to Africa while half remain in Europe. Chaffinches in Eastern Britain tend to be resident but many Scottish and Irish birds migrate south and west to avoid harsh Highland winters.

Weather impacts timing

The exact migration timing and routes followed by partial migrants vary greatly between years and individuals. Weather is a major factor, with cold temperatures and lack of food prompting larger numbers to migrate. Early winter snow can cause irruptions of species like waxwings, while mild winters lead to fewer bramblings visiting the UK.

Oceanic migrants

The UK’s island location means many migratory species take routes over oceans. Small landbirds are very reluctant to fly long distances over open water, so they take huge detours over land. However, seabirds that feed at sea are well adapted for transoceanic travel.

Impressive transatlantic journeys

Seabirds like shearwaters and terns make epic migrations crossing the Atlantic. Cory’s Shearwaters breed in the Azores and migrate down the coast of North America, Africa and South America – clocking over 30,000 miles annually! Arctic Terns migrate from the high Arctic to Antarctica and back, making the longest round-trip of any bird at 40,000 miles.

Arrivals and departures

Migration through the UK follows a seasonal pattern, as birds arrive to breed and depart for the winter. Here are the typical migration periods:

Spring arrivals

February – early arrivals like lapwings, oystercatchers, swallows
March – main influx of chiffchaffs, wheatears, sand martins
April – late arrivals like sedge warblers, whitethroats, cuckoos
May – swifts, nightingales, spotted flycatchers, turtle doves

Autumn departures

July – early leavers like swifts, swallows, spotted flycatchers
August – main exodus of warblers, wheatears, terns
September – late departures of hobbies, cuckoos, shrikes
October – final birds leave, such as redstarts, fieldfares

This pattern ensures birds exploit the best conditions at either end of their range. But climate change may shift migration timings earlier in spring and later in autumn.

Threats faced by migratory birds

Despite their epic journeys, many long-distance migrants are declining due to pressures on migratory routes and breeding/wintering grounds. Conservation measures are vital for their survival. Threats include:

– Habitat loss – important feeding and roosting sites lost to development
– Hunting – many birds are still hunted for food or sport despite protection
– Climate change – mismatches between timing of migration/breeding and food peaks
– Pollution – agrochemicals reduce insect food supplies
– Artificial light pollution – causes disorientation
– Predation by cats, foxes, etc
– Collisions with buildings, powerlines and wind farms
– Disturbance of roosting/feeding flocks

Protecting migratory birds

Protecting a network of key sites along migration routes is crucial. Agri-environment schemes providing insect-rich habitat on farmland also help insectivorous migrants. Climate change mitigation can limit disruption to delicate timing. Planning decisions must consider impacts on migratory birds. Public education and enforcement of hunting bans help reduce direct persecution.

Conclusion

UK breeding birds undertake some of the most impressive migrations in the world. We have an obligation to protect and support our migrant birds throughout their annual journeys by conserving networks of sites and protecting routes and bottlenecks. Reducing threats here and abroad will give long-distance migrants the best chance of survival into the future.