Migratory Birds
Learn how to attract and help migratory birds on there here.
Minnesota Migration Facts
Each fall and spring one billion birds move through Minnesota. Some travel thousands of miles from South America all the way to Artic Circle.
Many stay to breed in the North, while others continue even farther North.
Birds of prey, shorebirds, waterfowl and songbirds all make the journey.
Minnesota hosts 246 species of breeding birds and many more m pass through during migration. Of those, only about 20-30 species call Minnesota home year-round.
Spring brings an abundance of birds in bright, colorful breeding plumage. From downtown to suburbs, farmland, and northern forests, Minnesotans can expect to see these migrants passing through.
Mississippi Flyway
The Mississippi Flyway runs through Minnesota, guiding millions of birds along one of North America’s major migration routes. Stretching from South America to the Arctic, it connects distant ecosystems through a single shared pathway. Minnesota sits at the heart of this journey, making it a critical stopover for migrating birds.
Migratory Birds Are Declining - You Can Help
For these birds, Minnesota isn’t just a place to pass through—it’s a critical stopover. But migratory birds are in trouble: North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970, and many species have declined by more than half. They depend on safe places with abundant food, shelter, and water, yet face growing threats from habitat loss, window collisions, and outdoor cats. The good news is that simple actions at home can make a real difference.
Follow the links below to learn how to give birds their best chance—at home, at work, and in your community.
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) Flkr cc Dominic Sheorony
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) Flkr cc Dean Greenburg
Black and white warbler (Mniotilta varia) Flkr CC DFChurch
The best way to attract migrating birds into your yard is to provide them with the natural food sources they are looking for. Native plants support and attract far more birds than feeders ever can.
Check out MNBC’s plant guide and plant one or more plants from each layer. Many warblers forage in the canopy, so get a few large canopy trees growing today.
Moving water is another sure fire to increase bird activity. Be sure to keep it clean.
While birds are in your yard, help keep them safe from windows and cats. Explore the links below for details.
Learn what plants to include in your landscape to provide tired hungry birds with the food and shelter they need.
Too many birds travel thousands of miles to have their journeys cut short by a window. Learn how to prevent collisions on your windows.
Outdoor cats can impact birds along their journey. Learn simple ways to keep cats happy while protecting wildlife.
