Songbird life cycles: migration

Autumn, with its falling leaves, colder, short days and departing birds, can feel like a season of loss. However, the transition from summer to winter is just as beautiful and plentiful as spring. These periods of change allow us to see, hear and appreciate the full spectrum of the UK's natural cycles. The changing seasons and outbound migration of summer songbirds is not something to mourn, because it makes way for the robins, finches and inbound winter visitors to be seen and heard in our gardens.

Every year, the skies above the UK play host to one of nature’s most incredible spectacles: the migration of millions of songbirds. These small, determined creatures undertake perilous journeys across vast distances, driven by the changing seasons and the need for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. But why do these birds migrate? Which species are involved? And, how can we help to support them? In this blog, we explore songbird migration in the UK in the run up to World Migratory Bird Day celebrated on 12th October.

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Winter visitors

As the temperature drops and days shorten, many of the UK’s summer visitors begin their journey back to warmer climates. However, the UK becomes a winter refuge for several species of songbirds escaping the harsh conditions of northern Europe and Russia.

• Redwings and fieldfares are among the most well-known winter visitors. Of the Turdidae (thrushes) family, these songbirds migrate from Scandinavia and Iceland to take advantage of the milder UK winters. Numbers of migrating fieldfare and redwings depend on berry crops in their breeding areas – when crops are lower, the UK winter population will increase. They are often seen in large flocks, sometimes with over 200 individuals, feeding together, foraging in fields and hedgerows for berries and insects.‍

• Bramblings and waxwings also migrate to the UK during the winter. Bramblings (Fringilla montifringilla) can be spotted in mixed flocks with chaffinches, while waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus) are more sporadic visitors, making their way predominantly to the east coast of the UK when food is scarce in their native northern Europe.

These birds face numerous challenges during migration, including unpredictable weather, natural predators, and the increasing threat of habitat loss due to human activity. For many species, the UK offers a vital lifeline, providing food and shelter during the cold winter months.

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‍Summer visitors

As winter fades and spring arrives, the UK welcomes a wave of summer visitors. These migratory songbirds, often arrive from Africa or southern Europe.

• Swallows (Hirundo rustica) are perhaps the most iconic of these visitors, traveling over 6,000 miles from sub-Saharan Africa to reach the UK, averaging 200 miles a day! Agile, acrobatic swallows are easily recognized by their forked tails and fluid flight as they swoop through the air catching insects. ‍

• Nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos), celebrated for their beautiful, melodic songs, also make the long journey from Africa. Despite their famous voice, nightingales are surprisingly elusive, often hiding in dense undergrowth.

• Willow warblers and chiffchaffs are small, greenish-brown birds of the Phylloscopidae (leaf warblers) family, that may appear quite similar at first glance. Warblers are among the most numerous migratory songbirds, returning to UK woodlands and hedgerows to breed each spring.

During their stay, these birds are busy. They must establish territories, find mates, and raise their young before the summer ends. The abundance of insects, crucial for feeding their chicks, is a key reason why these birds travel such great distances to the UK.

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‍The challenges of migration

Migration is fraught with dangers. Birds must navigate long distances over unfamiliar terrain, often facing extreme weather conditions. Recent research indicates that climate change is altering migration patterns, with some species arriving earlier or later than usual, potentially disrupting their breeding cycles and food availability.

Habitat loss both in the UK and along migratory routes also poses a significant threat to these birds. Deforestation, urbanisation, and agricultural practices can reduce the availability of essential stopover sites where birds rest during their journey, as well as reducing insect numbers that are vital for refuelling over long distance travel.

How you can help migratory songbirds

There are several ways you can make a difference for migratory songbirds:

• Create bird-friendly gardens: Plant native trees and shrubs that provide food and shelter for migratory birds. Winter berry-producing plants like hawthorn, rowan, and holly are particularly beneficial. Habitat loss is one of the major threats to nightingales, planting thick hedges in your garden could give nightingales somewhere to rest and nest after their long journeys.
• Provide water: Ensure a clean, unfrozen water source is available. Don’t forget to clean feeders and water baths regularly.  
• Protect natural habitats: Support conservation efforts and government petitions to protect woodlands, wetlands, and other natural habitats crucial for migratory birds.  
• Reduce light pollution: Artificial lights can disorient migrating birds. If possible, reduce outdoor lighting during migration seasons, especially in rural areas.

The migration of songbirds is an extraordinary natural event. These birds, some of which weigh no more than a few grams, undertake monumental journeys that span continents, all in the name of survival. By making small changes in our gardens and supporting essential research, we can help the future of these migratory songbirds, ensuring that the UK remains a vital haven for both summer visitors and winter refugees.

Want to find out more about the migration of birds across Europe and North Africa? The Eurasian African Bird Migratory Atlas, using the EURING databank of ringing and tracking data shows the migratory movements of over 300 species of birds with some fascinating results. 

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The SBS Team

If you are a scientist and would like to shine a light on your recent research covering songbirds here in the UK, then let us know! As a supporter of our charity, if you have ideas for blog posts you would like to see and topics you would like us to cover on #theSBSblog, please contact us at dawn-chorus@songbird-survival.org.uk or our Research and Engagement Manager at charlotte@songbird-survival.org.uk. 

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