Wildlife - The Four Flyways of North America

Did you know that billions of birds follow four main aerial "interstate systems" every year? These are the four major Flyways of North America—critical migration routes connecting the breeding grounds in the north to the wintering grounds in the south.

Here's a quick look at the Four Major Flyways, from West to East:

The Pacific Flyway

• The Route: The westernmost flyway, stretching over 4,000 miles from the Arctic Tundra all the way to South America.
• Defining Feature: Follows the dramatic landscapes of the Pacific Coast and the mountainous West (Alaska, California, Oregon, etc.). It’s a crucial route for shorebirds and waterfowl using the vast coastal wetlands.

The Central Flyway

• The Route: A vast, broad corridor running through the middle of the continent.
• Defining Feature: Dominated by the Great Plains, the flyway provides essential grassland and prairie habitats for various species. It acts as a transitional route between the Pacific and Mississippi systems.

The Mississippi Flyway

• The Route: One of the busiest corridors, running from central Canada to the Gulf Coast and beyond.
• Defining Feature: Closely follows the immense Mississippi River and its tributaries. The river system provides an unmistakable natural navigation aid and a chain of wetlands that makes this a vital route for nearly 40% of all North American migratory birds.

The Atlantic Flyway

• The Route: The easternmost flyway, originating as far north as Greenland and the Arctic.
• Defining Feature: It hugs the Atlantic Coastline and the Appalachian Mountains. Many species use coastal marshes, estuaries, and barrier islands for essential stopovers before making long flights over the ocean to the Caribbean and South America.

Why it Matters

These flyways contain the critical stopover sites—the rest stops and refueling stations—birds need to survive their journey. Protecting these habitats is essential to ensure billions of birds can complete their annual marathon!