MIGRATION
Did you know that many of our garden birds are migratory?
It’s easy to assume garden birds are with us all year, but many familiar UK species are migratory, travelling vast distances to breed, feed or avoid harsh weather. Some arrive in spring and summer, while others visit only in autumn and winter, bringing seasonal colour and song to our gardens.
Some migratory birds visiting UK gardens may have travelled from Africa, Scandinavia or eastern Europe, stopping only briefly before continuing their journey.
Spring and summer visitors (breeding migrants) - these birds arrive mainly from Africa to breed in the UK, then leave again later in the year.
Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Arrives March - April • Leaves September - October
Graceful flyers with forked tails, often nesting near buildings.
House Martin (Delichon urbicum)
Arrives April–May • Leaves September
Nests under eaves and feeds high in the air.
Swift (Apus apus)
Arrives late April–May • Leaves August
One of the UK’s shortest-staying migrants, almost always airborne.
Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
Arrives April • Leaves July–August
Better heard than seen, famous for its distinctive call.
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
Arrives April • Leaves September
A small, delicate songbird often visiting gardens near woodland.
Autumn and winter visitors (winter migrants) -these birds arrive from northern and eastern Europe to escape colder winters.
Redwing (Turdus iliacus)
Arrives October • Leaves March–April
Seen feeding on berries and lawns during cold spells.
Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)
Arrives October–November • Leaves March
A larger thrush, often arriving in noisy flocks.
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)
Arrives October • Leaves April
A finch similar to the chaffinch, but with bold orange markings.
Siskin (Spinus spinus)
Numbers increase from autumn • Leave in spring
Small, energetic finches often seen in winter flocks.
Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
Irregular winter visitor
Appears some winters in large flocks to feed on berries.
Partial migrants (some stay, some go)
Some species are partial migrants, meaning only part of the population migrates.
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
UK robins are resident, but many arrive from Europe in autumn.
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
Once only a summer visitor, now increasingly winters in the UK.
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
Many UK birds stay, while others arrive from Scandinavia in winter.
Why does migration matter?
Migration is essential for many UK garden birds because it allows them to survive, breed successfully and find reliable food throughout the year.
As seasons change, food availability in the UK rises and falls. Many birds migrate to take advantage of insect-rich summers for breeding, then move to warmer regions or milder climates to avoid winter food shortages and harsh weather. Others travel to the UK in winter from colder parts of Europe, where conditions become too severe.
Migration also reduces competition for food and nesting sites and helps birds raise healthy young in the most suitable environments. Without migration, many species would struggle to survive year-round, making these journeys a vital part of the natural cycle for UK garden birds.