The Arctic Tern is a small seabird renowned for its extraordinary migration journey.

This bird embarks on one of the most spectacular and demanding migrations on Earth, travelling from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again each year, covering a staggering distance of more than 70,000 kilometres.

This impressive feat has earned the Arctic Tern the title of "Queen of Birds Flying Over the Earth's Poles."

Record-Breaking Migration

The Arctic Tern's migration is a marvel of natural engineering and endurance. Every year, it undertakes a round-trip journey between the polar regions, travelling over 70,000 kilometres.

This journey is the longest migration known among animals and secures the Arctic Tern's status as the world's long-distance flight record holder, often referred to as the "King of Migration" among all terrestrial animals.

Navigational Mastery

Despite the immense distances and numerous challenges, Arctic Terns exhibit an extraordinary ability to navigate. They never lose their way, thanks to their sophisticated navigation skills.

These birds employ a variety of natural cues for orientation, including landmarks, the angle of the sun, celestial navigation using stars, olfactory cues, and even the Earth's geomagnetic field. This multi-faceted navigation system ensures that Arctic Terns can precisely find their way across the globe year after year.

Live in Perpetual Light

The Arctic Tern's migration pattern allows it to experience perpetual daylight. By timing their migration to coincide with the summer seasons of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, Arctic Terns live in near-perpetual daylight.

During the Arctic summer, the sun never sets, providing a constant source of light and warmth. As summer wanes in the Arctic, these birds begin their journey to the Antarctic, where the summer season is just beginning. This unique lifestyle has led to the description of Arctic Terns as "the only creatures on Earth that live in the light forever."

Diet and Energy Management

Surviving such an arduous migration requires a high-energy diet. Arctic Terns primarily feed on fish, krill, and zooplankton. These foods are rich in energy and easy to digest, providing the necessary fuel for their long flights. The ability to quickly metabolize food into energy enables Arctic Terns to maintain their fast-paced, high-energy lifestyle, essential for enduring the extensive migration journey.

Breeding and Nesting Habits

During the summer months, Arctic Terns breed in the Arctic. They prefer to nest on remote, uninhabited islands and coastal areas where they can safely raise their chicks.

The nesting process begins with the parents creating a shallow scrape in the ground, which serves as a nest. The female typically lays 2-3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 21-24 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are cared for by both parents and fed a diet rich in fish. The chicks grow rapidly, and within 20-24 days, they are ready to take their first flight.

After the breeding season, and once the chicks have gained independence, the Arctic Terns embark on their long journey to the Antarctic to spend the Australian summer.

Environmental Adaptations

Arctic Terns have evolved several physiological and behavioural adaptations to cope with the extreme demands of their migration and breeding cycles. One key adaptation is their efficient flight mechanics, which reduce energy expenditure.

Their bodies are streamlined, and their wings are designed to maximize lift while minimizing drag. Additionally, Arctic Terns have a high metabolic rate, which allows them to generate the necessary energy for sustained flight.

Another crucial adaptation is their ability to store fat reserves. Before embarking on their migration, Arctic Terns accumulate fat, which serves as an energy reserve during their long flights over vast stretches of open ocean where food is scarce.

The Arctic Tern stands as a symbol of endurance, adaptability, and the wonders of the natural world. As we continue to learn from and admire the Arctic Tern, it is crucial to recognize our responsibility to protect and preserve the environments that support such extraordinary creatures. In doing so, we ensure that future generations can witness the awe-inspiring journey of the Arctic Tern, the true "Queen of Birds Flying Over the Earth's Poles."