The spring migration sees some birds fly thousands of miles over seas, mountains and deserts to be with us in the UK, in what is one of nature’s most incredible shows of stamina. But which birds arrive here first, who travels the longest and who takes their time?

The shortest trip

While many of our spring arrivals fly thousands of miles from Sub-Saharan Africa, not all of them do. Some head to countries around the Mediterranean and only return when the weather warms, like jet setting Brits, just without the duty free. One example is the Blackcap, with the majority spending our winter in southern Europe and north Africa, although they can now be seen in the UK all year round. Some of the Chiffchaffs we see returning do the same, but again many more of them are staying in the UK all winter. This is especially true in the south west where they can even be heard singing on a sunny mid-winter’s day.

The longest trip

There is one clear winner here – the Arctic Tern – which literally travels from the other side of the world to be with us. It travels up from the Antarctic in late April and May, mainly to the north and west coasts of the UK. It then breeds before leaving between August and September, heading in the opposite direction – a round trip of around 22,000 miles. Some though like to wander, with one ringed bird travelling from Wales to Australia – a journey of 12,500 miles – in just six months!

Arrivals Board

Check the “RSPB Arrivals Board” to see when many of the migrant birds return. The timings described in the “RSPB Arrivals Board” are typical arrival and departure times and reflect the main migration period for each species. Some birds may arrive earlier and leave later than expected!  

Extracts have been taken from the “RSPB Notes on Nature” dated the 15 March 2025.