Meet the bird, lighter than a bar of chocolate, that covers twice the distance of Earth as it migrates

The bird nests in the Arctic during summer, when the sun never really sets, and flies to the Antarctic to enjoy the southern summer. Then it does the whole thing in reverse. According to studies by the British Antarctic Survey and the National Geographic Society, Arctic Terns log more flight mileage than any other creature on Earth.

In fact, over its 30-year lifespan, a single tern may travel more than 2.4 million kilometres. That’s roughly three round-trips to the Moon.

Despite their delicate appearance, Arctic Terns are resilient (file)

How do they do it?

Scientists used lightweight geolocators to track their migration paths. What they discovered was astonishing. Not only do these birds travel huge distances, but they also take curved, wind-optimised routes rather than straight lines. This helps them glide more efficiently and cover vast stretches with minimal energy.

Their wings are long and slender, perfectly built for long-distance flight. What’s more, Arctic Terns feed mid-flight, snatching small fish and krill from the water’s surface.

One of the most poetic aspects of the Arctic Tern’s journey is that it lives in near-constant daylight. By flying between the polar regions, it experiences two summers each year, and more daylight than any other animal.

Despite their delicate appearance, Arctic Terns are resilient. They face storms, harsh weather, and predators, yet their migration patterns have remained largely unchanged for millennia. However, climate change poses a growing threat. Melting polar ice, rising sea levels, and shifting fish populations may eventually disrupt their incredible voyages.

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