Bird Migration Map Screensaver
The Bird Migration Map screensaver plots recent verified migratory bird sightings on a world map, pulsing in live and key-less from GBIF, the global open biodiversity data network. It's free, runs in your browser, and ESC exits.
How the Bird Migration Map screensaver works
The saver queries GBIF's occurrence API for the most recent verified bird records worldwide, with no key required.
Each sighting pulses onto a world map at its recorded coordinates, then fades as newer ones land.
A running tally counts sightings by the group you've chosen since you started watching.
Filter to waterfowl, raptors or songbirds, or leave it open to every migratory group.
A worked example
Set it to Waterfowl during northern autumn and dots cluster along real flyways — the Atlantic and Mississippi corridors — each pulse a logged, verified sighting.
Settings & tips
- Species group narrows the map to one bird family.
- Accent recolours the pulse dots.
- Sighting density naturally follows real migration seasons.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this live GPS bird tracking?
- No — it plots verified occurrence records (birder and researcher sightings) from GBIF, refreshed continuously but not individual GPS-tagged birds.
- Is a key needed?
- No. GBIF's public API is free and key-less.
- Why does density change by season?
- It reflects real migration timing — more sightings cluster along active flyways during migration windows.
- Is it free?
- Yes — free, no download, in your browser.