5 Incredible Migration Videos of Monarch Butterflies

Just like birds, there is an annual migration of North America’s monarch butterfly! Unlike other butterfly species that can survive cold winters, monarchs cannot. Using environmental cues, they know when it is time to start traveling south for the winter – up to 3,000 miles. Not only is their journey fascinating, but it is beautiful.

1. Monarch Butterfly Swarm

Source: Nature on PBS/Youtube

From as far as Canada, this swarm of butterflies always returns to the same spot. They cluster on trees, providing an amazing view that soon turns into a gorgeous cascade of butterflies flying.

2. How Do They Migrate?

Source: Be Smart/Youtube

The video above walks through the intricacies of migration. From North America to the fir trees of Mexico these butterflies seem to find the same resting sport every year, but how do they do it?

3. The Butterfly Forest

Source: Great Big Story/Youtube

No, this isn’t a fantasy movie. This forest is actually filled with butterflies.

4. Flying High

Source: MonarchButterflyGarden/Youtube

This video shows another angle of the butterfly migration. Instead of seeing them in the fir trees, this is what it looks like as they fly all around.

5. Immerse Yourself in the Swarm

Source: Nature on PBS/Youtube

Turn your volume up and put this video to full screen as you immerse yourself in the butterfly swarm!

Monarch butterflies are amazing travelers. Their chosen resting spots, like the oyamel fir forests in Mexico, help them stay warm during winter. The butterflies seem to use Earth’s magnetic pull and the sun’s position to find their way. When it gets cold, they gather in huge groups on trees for warmth, creating a unique and beautiful natural spectacle. Overall, their migration journey is a fascinating example of how nature’s precision and teamwork play a crucial role in their survival.

Animals Are My Favorite People by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• Monarch Butterflies Officially Classified as Endangered As Milkweed Plants Decline
• Western Monarchs Come to California Bringing Hope for the Species
• 5 Ways We Can Help Save Bees and Monarchs
• Monarch Butterfly Denied Protection by Trump Administration
• Climate Change is Driving Monarch Butterflies to Extinction

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!