This day is observed in recognition of nearly 4,000 bird species that migrate for warmer weather. That adds up to nearly 40% of the bird population! The aim of the day is to bring awareness to conservation efforts for the breeding and feeding grounds of these birds.

May 8th of every year is International Migratory Bird Day.

The initiative was created by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) in collaboration with the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in 2006.