Switzerland Welcomes First Migratory Birds as Spring Migration Begins

The first migratory birds have begun arriving in Switzerland after spending winter in warmer regions. Recent nights have seen a noticeable increase in nocturnal activity, marking the start of the migration season.

The Swiss Ornithological Institute's radar system has tracked a rise in bird movements overhead. Around two-thirds of migratory species travel at night, making these flights easier to monitor. Not all birds return at once—males often arrive before females, and timing varies by species.

Red kites are among the earliest returnees, usually reaching Switzerland by late February. Little bitterns and sedge warblers, however, tend to arrive much later, around mid-May. Species wintering in the Mediterranean generally return sooner than those migrating from tropical Africa.

Meanwhile, an unusually high number of Nordic winter visitors, such as smews and red-necked grebes, have stayed in Switzerland this year. The colder conditions in northern Europe appear to have delayed their departure. Observers on ornitho.ch have also reported a surge in sightings of starlings and song thrushes, indicating that many short-distance migrants have already returned.

The migration season is now underway, with radar data and sightings confirming the arrival of various species. While some birds have already settled into their breeding grounds, others will continue to arrive over the coming weeks. The Swiss Ornithological Institute will keep monitoring these movements as the season progresses.