World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2025 is putting the spotlight on a powerful message: it’s time to make our cities and towns more welcoming to birds. The new theme, Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities, calls on all of us—whether we live in a busy city or a quiet town—to help migratory birds thrive in human-dominated landscapes.
Migratory birds face growing challenges as urban areas expand. Habitat loss, glass collisions, pollution, and a lack of green spaces all take a toll. But the good news? Every community can take action. It doesn’t matter if you’re part of a local government, a school, a neighborhood group, or just someone who enjoys watching birds in the park, there are simple ways to take a part.
Why It Matters
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about migratory birds and the pressing need for their conservation. Migratory birds travel thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds, relying on various ecosystems that are increasingly under threat due to human activities. But as cities grow, natural spaces shrink. WMBD promotes the importance of international cooperation, local action, and public engagement to safeguard these incredible travelers and the habitats they depend on. It is a global reminder that we need to rethink how we build and live in urban spaces—not just for ourselves, but for the birds that pass through.
Creating bird-friendly communities means designing cities with nature in mind. Planting native trees and shrubs, reducing light and noise pollution, making windows safer, and preserving wetlands are all great ways to start. These actions don’t just help birds—they improve our quality of life, too.
Join A Global Effort
World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on 10 May and 11 October 2025, aligning with peak migration times in different parts of the world. These dates offer a perfect opportunity to get involved—whether through education, community events, or birdwatching activities.
One easy and fun way to participate is by joining the Global Big Day on 10 May. It’s a worldwide birdwatching event where people of all skill levels report the birds they see using tools like eBird and the Merlin Bird ID app. It’s not only exciting but also helps scientists gather valuable data to protect bird populations.
On Global Big Day, you can:
- Use Merlin Bird ID to identify birds by sight or sound.
- Explore new birding spots near you using eBird Mobile.
- Share your photos and sounds by adding them to your checklist.
- Submit complete checklists and count the birds you see.
- Tag your sightings on social media with #GlobalBigDay to join the global celebration.
Make Every Bird Count
Creating bird-friendly cities isn’t just about large-scale planning. It’s about community-driven change. From rooftop gardens to safe glass treatments and pollinator-friendly plants, everyone has a role to play.
This year’s theme encourages collaboration. Cities can revise building codes. Schools can build bird habitats on campus. Individuals can set up window decals, feeders, and native gardens. By working together, we make room for birds in our shared spaces—and keep their incredible migrations alive.
2025 WMBD Ambassador Birds
To spotlight the campaign’s message, nine migratory species from different flyways will serve as ambassador birds, representing global diversity and the shared need for bird-friendly spaces:
| Species | Region | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas) | Andes, South America | Largest hummingbird; urban flower feeder |
| American Robin (Turdus migratorius) | North America | Common urban bird; vulnerable to cat predation |
| American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) | North & Central America | Agile migrant; hits windows and urban threats |
| Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola) | Eurasia & Asia | From common to Critically Endangered due to illegal hunting |
| Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) | Global | Fastest bird; adapts to city life on tall buildings |
| Red Knot (Calidris canutus) | Arctic to South America | Long-distance migrant; depends on coastal stopovers |
| White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) | Europe & Africa | Nests on rooftops; threatened by waste and wires |
| Greylag Goose (Anser anser) | Europe, Asia | Uses agricultural land; vulnerable to monocultures |
| Common Crane (Grus grus) | Europe to Africa | Seen in rural fields and urban parks; hit by power lines |
More Than Just A Day
WMBD is more than a celebration. It’s a global campaign that raises awareness and sparks real change. Each year, the campaign is led by key conservation organizations including:
- The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
- The African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA)
- Environment for the Americas (EFTA)
- The East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)
These organizations come together to inspire people, share knowledge, and promote cross-border conservation efforts. Because birds don’t recognize borders—and neither should our conservation efforts.
Take The First Step Today
Want to help migratory birds in your area? Visit www.worldmigratorybirdday.org for resources, events, and ideas. You’ll find ways to get involved locally, no matter your experience level.
Joining in Global Big Day is easy and fun! Start by creating a free eBird account, the go-to platform for sharing bird sightings around the world. Then, on May 10, spend any amount of time watching birds—whether it’s 10 minutes from your balcony or a full day in the field. Record what you see and hear in the eBird app or on the website, and make sure to submit your checklist by May 13 to be part of the global totals. You can even follow live updates throughout the day as birders everywhere report in from over 200 countries
And if you’re ready to take your birding to the next level, feel free to explore the Birding Store at GoToBirding.com. You’ll find curated binoculars, field guides, and outdoor gear perfect for spotting feathered travelers in your backyard—or on your next birding adventure.
Together, we can build healthier, greener spaces for birds and people alike. Join the movement. Celebrate birds. Protect our shared skies.