A Shorebird migration occurs during the spring, summer, and fall months. A few species such as the Piping Plover do not journey as far north and instead reproduce in the coastal and interior regions of the United States. Once breeding is complete shorebirds begin their return journey southward. Some shorebirds leave the arctic as early as July. The return to wintering grounds is more leisurely and continues throughout the fall months.
Most shorebirds spend the winter in the warmth of the tropics and subtropics.
Though they stop at specific staging areas to refuel along their migratory routes, birds such as the Bristle- thighed Curlew are capable of flying 1,200 to 3,000 mile segments of their journey nonstop. Migratory routes and stopover points occur on both coasts and the interior of North America taking birds from the arctic to as far south as Tierra del Fuego, South America. The Red Knot can fly extraordinary distances, migrating from the Arctic Circle to as far as Tierra del Fuego, South America. A The majority of shorebird species breed on the tundra of the arctic and sub arctic regions. Some do breed in or near wetland areas in the temperate zones of coastal and interior North America.