Observed on Saturday, October 11, 2026 (the year’s second peak day, following May 10, 2026), World Migratory Bird Day is a global UN-backed campaign celebrating the journeys of migratory birds and the communities that share space with them.

Global Recognition and the United Nations Involvement

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is coordinated by UN partners and maintained by the UNEP/CMS Secretariat and UNEP/AEWA Secretariat. The campaign invites organizations, cities, and citizens to register events, map activities worldwide, and exchange knowledge across major flyways where birds travel seasonally. WMBD emphasizes that bird conservation—and the design of bird-friendly places—is a shared international responsibility.

The Goals of World Migratory Bird Day include:

• Raising Awareness of the pressures migratory birds face, especially in rapidly growing urban areas.

• Promoting Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities through safer buildings, green corridors, and responsible lighting and landscaping.

• Connecting People Across Flyways by encouraging event registration, storytelling, and collaboration that link communities along migration routes.

• Mobilizing Local Action so residents, schools, and city leaders adopt measures that reduce hazards and restore habitat.

Annual Themes and Their Impact

WMBD uses annual themes to focus action. In 2025, Shared Spaces highlights how thoughtful planning and everyday choices—like window-safe designs, night-sky friendly lighting, and native planting—can lower collision risk, improve habitat, and foster coexistence. Past campaigns have explored urgent links in bird survival, including protecting insects that many species depend on for food.

Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Urban and territorial planning that integrates green space and safe passage.

• SDG 15: Life on Land – Habitat conservation and restoration for migratory species.

• SDG 13: Climate Action – Climate-resilient urban design that safeguards biodiversity.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – Protection of coastal and wetland stopovers critical to migration.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – City-to-city and cross-border cooperation along flyways.

Advancing Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities

Creating shared spaces starts locally. Cities and communities can:

• Implement bird-safe building standards and reduce light pollution during migration peaks.

• Expand native vegetation, wetlands, and green corridors that connect habitats.

• Support citizen science and education that engage youth, families, and neighborhoods.

• Design inclusive public spaces that balance recreation, access, and wildlife needs.

Engagement and Global Solidarity

On October 11, 2026, join the worldwide celebration: register your event, add it to the global map, and help your community act for birds. From Bonn to cities across the flyways, WMBD shows that our neighborhoods, campuses, and waterfronts can be shared spaces safer for migratory birds and healthier for people.