Bird Migration Map 2026
Pick a species to see when it typically arrives in spring and departs in fall, region by region. Windows are compiled from long-term first-arrival records, individual years vary by a week or two.
Simplified map, bands are approximate latitude zones (Gulf Coast ≈25–31°N up to the Canadian border ≈47–49°N). Mountain West and Pacific timing can differ; see the note below the table.
| Region (latitude band) | Typical spring arrival |
|---|
Windows are typical first-arrival (spring) and last-commonly-seen (fall) periods from long-term records for the central and eastern flyways, where all ten species are most widespread. West of the Rockies, timing for the species that occur there tends to run 1–2 weeks later at a given latitude.
Species guides
Each species has a full migration guide, route, timing, and how to attract them when they arrive:
How to read the map
Migration in North America moves roughly south-to-north in spring and reverses in fall, so latitude is the biggest predictor of timing. The map divides the contiguous US into six bands. Pick a species and the bands are colored by the month birds typically arrive (spring mode) or depart (fall mode); the label on each band shows the typical window. The "When near me?" selector maps your state to its band.
Two caveats worth knowing: coastal and valley routes (the Pacific flyway, the Rio Grande) run on their own schedules, and single-year weather swings shift everything, a string of warm south winds in March can pull arrivals a full two weeks early, while a cold snap stalls the entire front. For live radar of tonight's migration, BirdCast is the gold standard; this map is for planning the season.
Frequently asked questions
When should I put out my hummingbird feeder?
About two weeks before the typical first arrival in your band, late February on the Gulf Coast through late April in the northern states. Early feeders help the first migrants refuel; select Ruby-throated Hummingbird above for your window.
When do orioles leave in fall?
Earlier than almost everyone expects, many Baltimore Orioles start south in late July and most have left the northern states by early September. A quiet oriole feeder in August is normal, not a problem.
Why did all the birds show up overnight?
Most songbirds migrate at night and land at dawn. A south wind after a few stalled days releases a wave of migrants at once, birders call it a "fallout" when weather forces large numbers down together.
How accurate are these windows?
They're typical windows compiled from long-term first-arrival records, not forecasts. Any single year can run 1–2 weeks early or late with the weather. For a live nightly forecast, pair this page with BirdCast's radar tools.