Learning shapes the ontogeny of migratory behavior in long-lived species, as shown by studies on white storks (Ciconia ciconia). The exploration-refinement hypothesis suggests that young birds explore new places during migration, gaining information, while older birds move more directly and efficiently. This study used tracking data to show that young storks reduce energy expenditure and explore more, while older storks move faster and directly, increasing energy use. As storks age, they innovate shortcuts, indicating reliance on spatial memory acquired through learning. These findings support the role of individual learning in refining migratory behavior over a lifetime. Migration involves balancing energy, time, and information, with older birds prioritizing direct routes and efficient movement. The study highlights that learning and early exploration are critical for the development of migratory strategies, emphasizing the importance of spatial memory and information in shaping migration. The results suggest that migration is a complex, dynamic behavior influenced by learning, with older individuals adapting to environmental conditions and optimizing routes for efficiency and speed. The study also underscores the importance of tracking data in understanding how migratory behavior develops over an animal's lifetime.Learning shapes the ontogeny of migratory behavior in long-lived species, as shown by studies on white storks (Ciconia ciconia). The exploration-refinement hypothesis suggests that young birds explore new places during migration, gaining information, while older birds move more directly and efficiently. This study used tracking data to show that young storks reduce energy expenditure and explore more, while older storks move faster and directly, increasing energy use. As storks age, they innovate shortcuts, indicating reliance on spatial memory acquired through learning. These findings support the role of individual learning in refining migratory behavior over a lifetime. Migration involves balancing energy, time, and information, with older birds prioritizing direct routes and efficient movement. The study highlights that learning and early exploration are critical for the development of migratory strategies, emphasizing the importance of spatial memory and information in shaping migration. The results suggest that migration is a complex, dynamic behavior influenced by learning, with older individuals adapting to environmental conditions and optimizing routes for efficiency and speed. The study also underscores the importance of tracking data in understanding how migratory behavior develops over an animal's lifetime.