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Why and when do animals migrate?

At certain times of the year, some animals travel from one place to another. This is migration.

In this article you can learn:

  • Why animals migrate
  • When animals migrate
  • How migration connect to the seasons
  • Examples of animals that migrate

This resource is suitable for weather and animal topics for primary school learners.

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Why do animals migrate?

Wildebeest in grassy plains during migration
Image caption,
Animals migrate for many different reasons. Wildebeest migrate between Tanzania and Kenya in Africa so they always have plenty of grass to eat. (John Warburton-Lee Photography / Alamy Stock Photo)

Animals for a number of reasons, such as:

  • they can't get enough food
  • to avoid harsh weather conditions, like freezing cold winters
  • to find water - because their water source might have frozen in colder temperatures
  • their has become overcrowded
  • to find a safe place to give birth or lay eggs
Wildebeest in grassy plains during migration
Image caption,
Animals migrate for many different reasons. Wildebeest migrate between Tanzania and Kenya in Africa so they always have plenty of grass to eat. (John Warburton-Lee Photography / Alamy Stock Photo)
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When do animals migrate?

Migrating geese in a v-formation against a blue sky
Image caption,
Many types of geese and swan arrive to the UK in autumn to find food and escape the cold winter conditions in the Arctic. (Arterra Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo)

Migration can happen around the world at any time. But it's most common for animals to migrate when the seasons and weather conditions change. For example:

  • Swallows and sand martins leave the UK at the end of our summer. They fly south to find food.
  • Some species of geese and swan come to the UK in autumn. They can find food more easily in the UK compared to the harsher winter conditions of the Arctic where they spend the rest of the year.
Migrating geese in a v-formation against a blue sky
Image caption,
Many types of geese and swan arrive to the UK in autumn to find food and escape the cold winter conditions in the Arctic. (Arterra Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo)
Painted lady butterfly resting on a flower
Image caption,
The painted lady butterfly comes to the UK each spring from North Africa. It returns to North Africa in autumn to lay its eggs. (Cephas Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo)
  • In the UK, pipistrelle bats migrate in autumn from the north to spend winter in the warmer south-west.
  • In spring, the painted lady butterfly migrates from North Africa to the UK. It returns to North Africa in autumn to lay its eggs.
  • In Africa, wildebeest migrate for hundreds of miles through Tanzania and Kenya following the seasonal rains. The wildebeest move to to rainier places where there is more grass for them to eat.
Painted lady butterfly resting on a flower
Image caption,
The painted lady butterfly comes to the UK each spring from North Africa. It returns to North Africa in autumn to lay its eggs. (Cephas Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo)

Question

Can you find some more examples of animals that migrate from one place to another?

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Is all migration seasonal?

No, not all animals migrate with the seasons.

Wild Atlantic salmon migration

Wild Atlantic salmon
Image caption,
Wild Atlantic salmon migrate from the ocean where they spend most of their lives to the river or stream where they were hatched. (Design Pics Inc / Alamy Stock Photo)
  • For example, wild Atlantic salmon hatch in rivers and migrate to the sea when they become adults.
  • They spend most of their life at sea. When they are ready to and lay their .
  • The salmon will from the ocean to the same river or stream where they were hatched.
Wild Atlantic salmon
Image caption,
Wild Atlantic salmon migrate from the ocean where they spend most of their lives to the river or stream where they were hatched. (Design Pics Inc / Alamy Stock Photo)
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More about seasons

Migration is often seasonal. Learn more about the seasons and how they affect the world around us.

What is hibernation? revision-guide

Some animal hibernate to protect themselves from harsh winter weather conditions.

What is hibernation?

What are the seasons? revision-guide

Learn about the four seasons and how they affect the world around us.

What are the seasons?

How animals control their body temperature. revision-guide

Find out how animal behaviour helps them maintain their body temperature.

How animals control their body temperature
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