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Migration of the Monarch | PBS LearningMedia

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It is one of the most impressive displays of migratorial instinct and ability in the animal kingdom: Each year millions of monarch butterflies migrate from eastern Canada and the United States to Mexico -- a journey of more than two thousand miles for some.

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Custom Search Sort by:RelevanceRelevanceDate Main navigation Home Projects News Maps Sightings Educators Registration Donate Monarch Butterflies Monarch Home News Maps Sightings Resources Educators Kids

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All About Monarch Butterflies | Ask A Biologist

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Thousands of orange and black shapes flutter through the trees. Welcome to one of the few wintering homes of the monarch butterfly. Also in: Español | Français

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Animals use many strategies for staying close to their food sources, as this video segment from NOVA: The Mystery of Animal Pathfinders explains. One of the most remarkable of these strategies is demonstrated by the red knot, a species of shorebird that flies 20,000 miles annually in its never-ending search for food, especially the eggs of spawning horseshoe crabs.

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Check out 15 animals that cover the longest distances!

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Animal Migration: Move It! | Science Trek | PBS LearningMedia

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Animal migrations don’t just happen in the spring and aren’t just something birds do. Lots of different animals migrate and for good reasons. Why? What is it that drives animals to move from one part of the country to another and then back again?

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Seasonal Message: Fall Migration Begins in August

Researchers, land managers, and many others rely on the help of Journey North volunteers to better understand the monarch's conservation needs. Your observations make a valuable contribution - and help tell the dramatic story of the monarch migration.

What To Report

1. Reporting category: Monarch Adult Sighted

Where are monarchs? Report all monarch adults (ie. butterflies, not eggs or larvae) regardless of whether migrating south. Report number of monarchs observed at a single location. Comments: Were the monarchs exhibiting directional flight? How did you estimate the number of monarchs observed? Other behaviors observed? Frequency: Report once a week when monarchs are present. Photos: Always welcome.

2. Reporting category: Monarch Egg Sighted

Is breeding happening? Report the presence of monarch egg(s). Because it is difficult to track individual eggs and larvae, daily counts of eggs and larvae are not necessary. Noting presence of monarch egg(s) is sufficient. If you want to count monarch egg(s), please count once during the week and submit one report with the totals counted that day. Comments: What milkweed species did you see the monarch egg(s)? Frequency: Report once a week when monarch eggs are present. Photos: Always welcome.

3. Reporting category: Monarch Larva Sighted

Is breeding happening? Report the presence of monarch larvae. Because it is difficult to track individual eggs and larvae, daily counts of egg(s) and larvae are not necessary. Noting presence of monarch larvae is sufficient. If you want to count monarch larvae, please count once during the week and submit one report with the totals counted that day. Comments: What milkweed species did you see the monarch larvae? Frequency: Report once a week when monarch larvae are present. Photos: Always welcome.

4. Reporting category: Monarch Other Observations

Where are monarchs? Observations of other interesting behaviors including mating, laying eggs, nectaring (please let us know plant species observed if known), basking in the sun, and deceased monarchs. Frequency: Report once a week. Occasional reporting welcome. Photos: Always welcome.

5. Reporting category: Milkweed Sighted

Where is milkweed? Report milkweed presence across the landscape. Comments: What milkweed species did you observe? Frequency: Report weekly when milkweed is present. Photos: Always welcome.

6. Reporting category: Monarch Peak Migration

When and where are peak migration events happening? Monarch fall migration is spectacular and also unpredictable. People often report seeing large numbers of monarchs flying in a clear directional flight or seeing "hundreds of butterflies" nectaring in a field of flowers fueling up for the long flight. If you witness what seems to be a large number of monarchs for your area (i.e. dozens, hundreds), please report this sighting under PEAK Migration. Comments: For reported numbers to be meaningful, what is the length of time you spent counting monarchs at one stationary location? Frequency: Report daily when possible to capture actual peak. Photos: Always welcome.

7. Reporting category: Monarch Roosts

When and where are monarch roosts? Migrating monarchs cluster together in trees at night, forming what is called a roost. A roost may have a handful of butterflies or more than you can count. Comments: How many monarchs did you observe within a roost for a single night? When did you observe roost formation? How did you estimate the number of monarchs roosting? What other observations did you notice (such as nearby nectar sources, species of tree(s) in roost, and whether the monarchs are shielded from the wind in their location)? Frequency: Report every night when roost is present. Resource: Estimating Fall Roost Size.

Subscription Information: Migration News

Stay attuned to the migration story by subscribing to Journey North Monarchs & Milkweed News Updates. Click the "subscribe" button in the top-right corner of any published news update.

During the fall, catch the news about fall monarch roosts and peak migration events. Learn when the Eastern population of monarchs reach the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico and the Western population reaches sanctuaries along the coast of California. These news updates will be delivered to you twice a month.

Of Note

Because migratory species start their fall migration in August, the Journey North reporting categories and interactive maps are now primed to showcase the fall migration phenomenon. You can still view Journey North spring migration observational reports displayed on our interactive maps by following these simple instructions.

Instructions for viewing spring migration maps

Step 1: Go to Journey North Maps. Notice that these maps are set to display Fall 2022 migration data.

Step 2: Use the seasonal dropdown menu to select Spring 2022 migration season (or any previous season/year of interest).

You will now be able to select the map of interest.

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Researchers, land managers, and many others rely on the help of Journey North volunteers to better understand the monarch's conservation needs. Your observations make a valuable contribution - and help tell the dramatic story of the monarch migration. What To Report 1. Reporting category: Monarch Adult Sighted Where are monarchs?

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Monarch Migration - Teachers (U.S. National Park Service)

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Grade Level:
Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade

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Melissa Zeglin
Crystal Lake Elementary
Lakeville, MN

Initial Publication Date: August 19, 2008

Summary

Every spring, people look to see the first robin appear in their backyards. Where did the robins go, or where are they coming from? These are popular questions children ask. By teaching students about migration, we give them a better understanding of the life cycle of birds. The rationale for teaching migration is to give the students a better understanding of why birds leave for the winter months and return for the summer months.

Share your modifications and improvements to this activity through the Community Contribution Tool "
Learning Goals

Students will be able to understand and discuss the reasons why some birds migrate.

Students will be able to explain some of the ways in which birds find their way.

Context for Use

This is an introductory lesson about bird migration that could be part of a larger bird unit. It was designed for a 3rd grad classroom, however, it could easily be modified for use in any elementary grade.

Description and Teaching Materials

Analogy graphic organizer (attached)
Map of the four major Flyways of North America
Map of North America
Map of the United States
How Do Birds Find Their Way? by Roma Gans
Books on various species of birds
Computers for online game
Migration reading comprehension worksheets (attached)
Writing rubric (attached)
Computers for Journey North activity

Instructional Procedures:

1. Introduce the study of bird migration. Use an analogy that likens it to a vacation to a warm climate. Discuss some facts about migration: More than one-third of the world's birds migrate; migration allows birds to adapt to changes in the environment, because they go to habitats with more food and better weather for survival; and migrating is instinctual and most birds migrate in groups.
Review the familiar concept of vacationing. Have students discuss trips they have taken to warm climates. Encourage them to discuss the details of travel, such as method of transportation, rest stops, eating habits, and energy levels, including the return trip.
Use the graphic organizer to identify the similar features or characteristics of migration and traveling on vacation. Identify the dissimilar features or where the analogy does not apply. Record these in the graphic organizer. Start the discussion and complete at least half of the chart with students as a class before the read aloud. You can add more details after reading the book.

2. Inform students that you will read a book to them that describes bird migration. Read "How Do Birds Find Their Way?" by Roma Gans and add any additional comparisons that your class may want to make to the analogy chart.

3. Display the four North American migratory flyways, which are: Pacific Flyway, Central Flyway, Mississippi Flyway, Atlantic Flyway.

4. Additional migration information should be discussed in this brief instructional period such as:

How do birds know when it is time to migrate?
changes in the amount of light, temperature, and food

How do birds find their way?
magnetism, the sun and stars, and by following land formations

How does weather affect bird migration?
birds follow different air patterns which change with the season

What are some problems birds encounter while migrating?
bad weather, predators, hunters, loss of wetlands, and pollution

5. Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a book that focuses on one species of birds. Provide guiding questions with each book directing the students to find information about that species. Sample questions could include: Where does this bird spend the summer and winter? Which states and/or countries does this bird fly over when it migrates? Which North American flyway does this bird use? How far does this bird travel during migration?

6. When all questions are answered, each group will be asked to share their information with the rest of the class, making sure to use the map of the four major Flyways of North America, map of North America, or map of the United States to help illustrate their presentations.

7. Assessment - Review the new concept by having the students write a paragraph of their understanding along with drawings in their nature journals.

Extension Activities:

Migration Game (Online)- Answer questions about migratory birds. Each correct answer will bring the wood thrush closer to her favorite forest where she'll be able to find a mate, build a nest, and lay her eggs! https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/play-migration-game

Extend the children's knowledge of migration by giving them a handout that contains nonfiction text along with questions and a writing activity. This can be completed individually, with partners, in small groups, or as a whole class depending on the needs of your group. You may want to assess the writing activity with the writing rubric.

Journey North is an on-line program that explores seasonal changes. One option is for students to track robin migration from the southern states to the Arctic. Students learn to identify robin songs and calls, analyze migration maps and data, and explore the robin life cycle.

Analogy Graphic Organizer (Microsoft Word 22kB Aug19 08) Migration Reading Comprehension Sheets (Acrobat (PDF) 128kB Aug19 08) Primary Writing Rubric (Acrobat (PDF) 79kB Aug19 08)

Teaching Notes and Tips

Assessment

Assessment - Review the new concept by having the students write a paragraph of their understanding along with drawings in their nature journals.

Standards

Science

The student will understand the use of science as a tool to examine the natural world.
The student will understand that an organism's patterns of behavior are related to the nature of its environment.

Language Arts
The student will use a variety of strategies to expand reading, listening, and speaking vocabularies.
The student will actively engage in the reading process and read, understand, respond to, analyze, interpret, evaluate and appreciate a wide variety of fiction, poetic, and nonfiction texts.
The student will engage in a writing process, with attention to organization, focus and quality of ideas.
The student will locate and use information in reference materials.
The student will demonstrate understanding and communicate effectively through listening and speaking.

References and Resources

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k12 portal collection k12 mapping activity

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on the cutting edge cutting edge activity review will not review

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This activity is a classroom introduction to bird migration. Students will acquire new vocabulary, sharpen their map skills, and discover the scientific reasons some birds migrate.

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Hummingbird Migration - Teachers (U.S. National Park Service)

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Grade Level:
Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade

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Preparing for Winter - Teachers (U.S. National Park Service)

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Grade Level:
Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade

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Episode Overview
In the opening segment, Junior Naturalist Patrice looks at how some animals migrate to find food or a place to hibernate, while others migrate to mate, give birth, or raise their young. Next she joins Senior Naturalist Dave Erler and helps him band some birds so they can be tracked as they migrate. In the third segment, we take a closer look at how three raptors, the broad-winged hawk, the red-tailed hawk and the snowy owl migrate. Finally, Sara and Davis help Iain McCleod with his annual hawk count.
Program Objectives
Students will:
1. Analyze how adaptations help organisms survive.

2. Identify migration as an behavioral adaptation.

3. List reasons for migration.

4. Give examples of migration.

5. Recognize the distinct characteristics of raptors.

6. Describe how some raptors migrate to survive.
Vocabulary

Adaptation

Lichen

Hibernate

Neotropics

Migration

Thermals

Raptor

Previewing Activity

Have students brainstorm reasons why an animal might leave its habitat.

Post-Viewing Activities

1. Have students make a list of regional animals and research whether they are resident or migrant.

2. Have students work individually or in small groups. Have each group make three lists of animals. One for animals that they know migrate, one for animals that they think migrate, and one for animals that they think don't migrate. Have the groups report their lists back to the class and make a large chart of the lists. Discuss the lists as a group and have the students research animals that they have any questions about.

3. Depending on the season, have students keep a journal of animal activity in their area. They can note things like increasing bird songs, flocks of birds or animal sightings.

4. Have students research their area and find out what animals migrate. You can contact your local branch of the Audubon Society to find out more about birds or you can contact your state fish and game or wildlife department for information about local wildlife.

Hands-On: Move Along

Materials Needed
Map of North America or sequential list of states
Dice
Game pieces
List of migration "dangers" (for the teacher)
Recording sheet
Process

Tell the students that they are migrating birds and will be traveling from Canada to Florida (you can choose any path you like)

Distribute a single die and map to each student or group of students. Have the students place their game piece at the starting point and then roll the die and "migrate" the number of states that they roll. Have the students stand up as they reach Florida and record the number of rolls it took them to get there.

Repeat the process three or four more times, but these times introduce a migration "danger" that eliminates the migrator. For example, after the first roll a migration danger might be that all "birds" that landed in Maryland have died because their usual resting place is now a parking lot, or that birds that flew to New Jersey hit a high rise building. Record how many "birds" make it safely to Florida as you add these conditions.

(Thanks to Doug Hoff, Third Grade Teacher, Mast Way Elementary School, Lee, NH for this activity.)

Hands-On: Wind Beneath My Wings

In this experiment, students will learn how Bernoulli's Principle and wing structure helps birds fly.

Materials Needed

paper strips

Procedure

Have the students place a strip of paper just under their bottom lip and gently blow over the paper. The paper should lift.

Here's the Physics!

This happens because of Bernoulli's Principle which states that as the speed of a moving gas or liquid increases, the pressure decreases. When the students blew over the paper, they decreased the pressure on the top of the paper and the higher pressure on the underside of the paper lifted it up. When birds and planes fly, the curved upper-side of their wings causes air to move faster than the air on the underside of their wings. So the air pressure on the top is lower than the air pressure on the bottom!

Additional Resources

Web Sites

Animals A-Z from the Oakland Zoo
Animal fact sheets from the Oakland Zoo. See section V. of each animal for adaptations.

Animal Bytes
This site from Sea World features animal fact sheets and includes sections on adaptations including migration.

Animal Diversity Web
This site from the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology includes profiles of hundreds of animals.

Journey North
Track the migration of a number of different animals, including the monarch butterfly, with schools across the country at this site from Annenberg/CPB.

Monarch Watch
This web site from the University of Kansas looks at the migration of the monarch butterfly and has lots of resources for students and teachers.

Books
They Swim the Seas : The Mystery of Animal Migration by Seymour Simon, illustrated by Elsa Warnick
ISBN: 015292888X
Publisher: Browndeer Press
Publication Date: September 1998
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
The migration of aquatic plants and animals.

Hawk Highway in the Sky: Watching Raptor Migration by Caroline Arnold, photographs by Robert Kruidenier
ISBN: 0152008683
Publisher: Gulliver Books
Publication Date: April 1997
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Documents the work of scientists and volunteers as they track hawk migration at Nevada's Goshute Mountains.

Flight of the Golden Plover:The Amazing Migration Between Hawaii and Alaska by Debbie S. Miller, illustrated by Daniel Van Zyle
ISBN: 0882404741
Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books
Publication Date: June 1996
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
A look at the amazing transoceanic migration of the Pacific golden plover.

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In the opening segment, Junior Naturalist Patrice looks at how some animals migrate to find food or a place to hibernate, while others migrate to mate, give birth, or raise their young. Next she joins Senior Naturalist Dave Erler and helps him band some birds so they can be tracked as they migrate.

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Migration Activity Guide

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Use the link at the bottom of the page to download this activity guide!

This activity guide is full of fun ways to learn about animal migrations in the US. Designed for elementary age kids, it can be used in a classroom as a worksheet or at home for some easy activity ideas. Activities included encourage kids to use STEM skills to explore the topic, whether they are using math to plot the coordinates of monarch migration paths, engineering to design their birdfeeder, science to understand the phenomenon of animal migration, or technology to get involved with online citizen science.
Looking for more?
Show us what you made! Take a photo of your birdfeeder or mental map and share it with NEEF on Facebook or Twitter!
Download the Activity Guide below:

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Use the link at the bottom of the page to download this activity guide!This activity guide is full of fun ways to learn about animal migrations in the US. Designed for elementary age kids, it can be used in a classroom as a worksheet or at home for some easy activity ideas.