Audubon Adventures

Helpful Tips for Using the Bird Migration Explorer

For the best performance, make sure the Bird Migration Explorer is only open in one browser tab.

Clicking the Audubon logo returns you to the home page, and the toggle at the top right allows you to switch between English and Spanish.

Go to the “About'' section under the upper right menu to learn more about the Bird Migration Explorer, founding partners, data providers, and information on methods for producing the maps.

The Explorer features only regularly occurring migratory North American bird species. If your search yields no results, that is why.

In the “Map Layers” panel, you can turn layers off and on to see more or less information on the screen. This panel also has descriptions of each map layer.

On the “Species Migration” map, you can play or pause the map. On desktop or laptop computers you can drag the time slider at the bottom of the screen, and also expand the time slider to see bird distribution across multiple weeks of the year. The time slider is set to a one-week window by default. Check out “Related Stories” on the “Bird Species” and “Conservation Challenges” pages to read some compelling stories about birds and the challenges they face.

Click on the “Data Providers” panel to see a full list of data sources for the specific map you are viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get the data from my research included in the Bird Migration Explorer?
To contribute research studies on tagged or tracked birds to the Bird Migration Explorer, please contact migratorybirds@audubon.org.

How often will the data be refreshed? The Bird Migration Explorer is based on several different types of data that are updated daily (e.g., live tracking data) to annually (e.g., species abundance models). We upload newly available data into the Explorer twice per year.

Can I access or download the geospatial data used in the Bird Migration Explorer?
The data in the Bird Migration Explorer were contributed through data sharing agreements that limit our ability to re-share data. Requests for data should be directed to the contributing data holder or organization, which can be found via the Data Providers panel or About Data Providers page.

I have feedback, or I see an error/bug. Who should I contact?
Fill out this form to give feedback on the Bird Migration Explorer.