The African-Eurasian Flyway

Migratory birds are disappearing

Over 40% of long-distance migrants in the African-Eurasian flyway have shown signs of decline over the last three decades. Of these 10% are classified by BirdLife as Globally Threatened or Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Many of these birds are continuing to disappear.

BirdLife is best placed to help

Their dependence on a wide range of landscapes illustrates perfectly that there is no single solution to the problem of declining biodiversity. The BirdLife Partnership is extremely well placed to undertake action for migratory birds. We have BirdLife network organisations in more than 70 countries along the African-Eurasian flyway, and we are working together to raise awareness about migratory birds and implement conservation projects.

The map below shows some of the BirdLife Partners and projects which are helping to conserve migratory birds across the African-Eurasian flyway. To read information about each location, click to open the map.

Waterbirds and Wetlands

Many species of migratory waterbird depend on interconnected networks of wetlands. Wetlands which also benefit people by providing clean water and opportunities for fishing, agriculture, recreation and tourism. However, despite their importance, wetlands are amongst the world’s most threatened ecosystems. To read about BirdLife’s work to help migratory waterbirds through international cooperation across the entire flyway – click here.

OTOP (BirdLife in Poland) Find out more about BirdLife’s work to celebrate the miracle of migration. Zoom In

Soaring Birds and Landscapes 

Soaring migratory birds, including the large-bodied birds of prey, glide between areas of rising hot air to aid their long-distance passage. This method, which cannot be used over large water bodies or high mountains, limits their potential routes and concentrates birds into narrow geographic corridors and through tight ‘bottlenecks’. This concentration makes soaring migrants highly vulnerable to localised threats. To read about how BirdLife is helping to conserve soaring birds – click here.

Songbirds and Sustainable Land-use

Millions of songbirds migrate across the Sahara to travel between Europe and Africa each year. Although migratory songbirds may appear widespread, they are highly vulnerable to changes in the wider landscape including agricultural intensification, desertification, deforestation and climate change. In addition, many songbirds migrating on broad fronts, fly straight across the Mediterranean in large numbers at predictable times of year - exposing them to targeted hunting and trapping. To read about how BirdLife is helping to conserve songbirds – click here.

Celebrating Bird Migration  

Bird migration is one of nature’s greatest miracles. The epic flights of migratory birds connect us all - crossing our borders, cultures and lives. BirdLife Partners engage in a number of activities to help you celebrate and enjoy the wonder of bird migration. To find out more – Click here.

Born to Travel - The BirdLife Flyways Campaign  

The Born to Travel campaign is aiming to improve the conservation status of migratory birds and their habitats along the African-Eurasian Flyway. To get involved in the campaign - click here.