Migration
⭐ MasteredMany animals travel long distances each year to find food or warmer weather. Birds, whales and butterflies migrate.
The Arctic tern flies from the Arctic to Antarctica and back each year.
All about Migration
Migration is the regular journey that animals make from one place to another, often over huge distances. Animals migrate to find food, to escape harsh weather or to reach a safe place to breed. Migration is usually seasonal.
Birds such as the Arctic tern fly between the Arctic and Antarctic each year. Whales travel thousands of kilometres between feeding and breeding grounds, and monarch butterflies fly from North America to Mexico.
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Real-life uses of Migration
- Spreading seeds and nutrients across continents
- Helping scientists understand climate change and habitat health
- Creating wildlife-watching tourism in migration hotspots
Frequently asked questions about Migration
Why do birds migrate?
Birds migrate to find food and warmer conditions, and to nest in places where there is plenty of food for their chicks.
How do animals know where to go?
They use a mix of tools, including the Earth's magnetic field, the position of the Sun and stars, smells and memory.
Which animal travels the furthest?
The Arctic tern makes one of the longest migrations of any animal, covering up to about 70,000 km a year.