Arctic Tern's Epic 70,000 km Migration Revealed

In a remarkable display of endurance, the Arctic Tern, a small seabird weighing just 100 grams, undertakes an incredible 70,000 km round-trip migration each year. According to studies conducted by the British Antarctic Survey and the National Geographic Society, this tiny bird flies from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back, experiencing two summers annually.

The Arctic Tern nests in the Arctic during the northern summer, when the sun never really sets, and then travels all the way to the Antarctic to enjoy the southern summer. This incredible journey, which the tern has been making for millennia, is a testament to the bird's resilience and adaptability.

Researchers have used lightweight geolocators to track the tern's migration paths, and what they have discovered is truly astonishing. Not only do these birds travel vast distances, but they also take curved, wind-optimized routes rather than straight lines, allowing them to glide more efficiently and cover enormous stretches with minimal energy expenditure.

Despite their delicate appearance, Arctic Terns are remarkably hardy, facing storms, harsh weather, and predators along their journey. However, climate change poses a growing threat, as melting polar ice, rising sea levels, and shifting fish populations may eventually disrupt their incredible voyages.