seasonal journey made by arctic terns

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A seasonal journey made by Arctic terns, monarch butterflies, swallows, toads etc in order to breed or feed

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Arctic tern

Famous for their record-setting migration—the longest of any animal in the world—Arctic terns are projected to lose 20 to 50 percent of their habitat due to climate change.

About the Arctic tern

Arctic terns hold the record for the longest migration of any animal in the world, annually making the journey from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle. One particularly committed tern made the trip in nearly 60,000 miles , or more than twice the circumference of the planet. Terns rack up all those miles by meandering across oceans and continents rather than flying directly north or south.

These small seabirds were born to fly long distances. Arctic terns are so lightweight—with small bodies, short legs, and narrow wings—that they can glide through the skies on a breeze. Their beaks and feet are bright red, and their bodies are covered in gray and white feathers with a cap of black feathers on their heads.

Arctic terns can be found just about everywhere as their travels take them to every ocean and every continent. They breed on the coasts and tundra of Arctic and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, then follow the sun and fair weather on their yearly journey to the Antarctic Circle—a trip that takes a couple of months. Arctic terns migrate in groups known as colonies.

Diet and behavior

Arctic terns are also incredibly efficient at catching and eating prey, which is yet another reason why they can fly so far in such a short time. These seabirds hover in the air as they look for their food—mostly fish, but also insects and crustaceans—on the surface below. Then they plunge into the water to scoop up the prey, which they can even eat while gliding.

Courtship for these monogamous birds also takes place in flight. Their mating ritual begins with a “fish flight,” which is when a male Arctic tern swoops over a migratory camp carrying a fish in its mouth while making screaming sounds. On the ground, the bird struts a little before offering its prey to a female. In June and July, tern couples nest on rocky or sandy beaches where the female lays two or three eggs.

Threats to survival

Climate change is one of the major threats to Arctic terns. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature—which has put Arctic terns on its Red List of Threatened Species—these birds are projected to lose 20 to 50 percent of their habitat due to the temperature changes linked to climate change. Increasing sea temperatures are driving away their prey, while also causing deadly storms and knocking breeding schedules off-kilter.

Arctic terns also face the potential loss of their habitat to drilling in places like Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of their preferred places to rest during their long migration.

Finally, rats, hedgehogs, and the invasive American mink have all been known to attack the nests of Arctic terns.

Conservation

Researchers across the world are working to gather more data about the plight and patterns of Arctic terns in order to help protect them—including in Iceland, which has seen diminishing Arctic tern colonies along the country’s coast. Meanwhile, the removal of the American mink from the terns’ typical habitats has helped protect their offspring.

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Fact Animal

Facts About Animals

Arctic Tern Facts

Arctic tern profile.

Bird migrations have been documented for at least 3,000 years, as an impressive feat that captivated curious minds all over the world. Some, like the albatross, fly laterally, circling the pole in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Others, like some gulls, will steal your chips all Summer and then disappear South, to warmer regions for the Winter.  In the same family, Arctic terns take these migrations to the extreme.

The Arctic tern is a medium-sized tern, which are a family of seabirds and can be found in coastal regions from the north to south poles during migrations.

Arctic Tern Facts Overview

Arctic terns love summer so much that they never leave it. The only time they experience other seasons is during the 2-month journey to the opposite pole.

They breed in the North, and before the days get too short, they pick up their kids and embark on the longest seasonal migration of any animal. 

These trips are navigated using a range of biological navigational tools but are heavily influenced by food availability, something which is ever-changing as the climate shifts, and this may have severe consequences for the species.

Interesting Arctic Tern Facts

1. they rarely see darkness.

Terns are well known for their polar migrations that take them from living in the North Pole in the summer, to the South Pole, in the.. summer again.

By avoiding winter, they also avoid the dark, and by moving from one region of perpetual daylight to another, these birds may experience less darkness than any other animal.

The trip takes a couple of months, and this will be the only time the tern experiences regular night times, as they will arrive at their destination to a world of 24-hour sun. 1

2. They’re highly specialised

This epic feat requires significant specialisation, and the tern has it to spare. They’re well adapted for both long flights and the tundra life.

Their slender bodies are designed for agility in hunting; they have long, pointed wings with forked tails for agility, and their light frame conserves energy on long journeys. 

This setup allows the birds to spend most of their time in the air, only coming down to breed. 

Arctic terns are ground-nesting birds, well adapted to treeless areas in the Arctic, where they fiercely protect their nests. Like many polar animals, their short legs help them conserve heat. 

All of these birds are born in the Arctic, but by the time winter threatens, they embark on an unfathomable migration to the most Southerly continent. 

3. This is the longest migration known covering 35,000 km

This migration is truly incredible. Each year, Arctic terns embark on a round-trip that can cover more than 35,000 km (22,000 miles), making it the longest migration of any known animal.

Their journey begins in the Arctic, where they breed during the Arctic summer. In late summer, as the temperatures drop and daylight becomes shorter, the terns gather up the new generation and begin the journey south. 

They head towards their wintering grounds in the Antarctic region, a trip that takes them over vast expanses of open ocean. 

One remarkable aspect of their migration is the use of two alternative routes. Some Arctic terns follow the African coast on their southward journey, while others opt for the South American coast. This bifurcation in migration routes is a curiosity in itself, and scientists are still studying the factors that influence this choice.

Their migration involves multiple stops and destinations along the way. One of the fascinating discoveries in recent years is the identification of a previously unknown stopover area in the North Atlantic Ocean. Arctic terns from different breeding populations, including those from Greenland and Iceland, converge in this region during their migration. 

This social stopover area likely serves as a critical refuelling point where birds can rest, replenish their energy reserves, and exchange stories. 2

4. They have magnets in their faces

Bird navigation has long perplexed researchers with its uncanny accuracy and reliability. 

Arctic terns exhibit an astonishing ability to navigate from one end of the planet to the other, and it’s not entirely based on visual cues. Navigating these long trips requires a mix of landmarks, celestial cues and magnetism.   

Terns can pinpoint their exact breeding and wintering locations year after year, ensuring they return to the same colonies and familiar foraging areas, and they can likely do this with help from a special magnetic compound in their beaks. 

Magnetoreception has been demonstrated in several different animal lineages, including various migratory bird species like the Arctic tern. 

Iron-rich microstructures have been identified in the beaks of these birds, suggesting the presence of magnetoreceptors: sensory organs that can pick up magnetic fields. This sense combines with the others to produce an arsenal of navigational weapons that give the birds their ability to reach such remote locations accurately, year after year. 3

5. They engage in ‘fish fight’ courtship

Arctic terns primarily feed on fish, which they catch by diving into the water. These are nimble hunters, and despite being equipped for long journeys, are also capable of incredible agility. 

This high-fat diet is essential for both their own sustenance and the nourishment of their offspring during the breeding season.

During the breeding season, Arctic terns engage in elaborate courtship rituals that include the male offering fish as a gift to the female. This “fish flight” is a notable aspect of their courtship, and signifies fitness by proving the male to be an adept hunter.

Arctic terns are monogamous and typically mate for life, forming strong pair bonds. They return to the same colony in the Arctic every year, where they build nests together in small depressions in the ground.

Both parents take turns incubating 1 to 3 eggs and the chicks hatch after approximately three to four weeks. Parents continue to catch fish, gradually increasing the size of prey to help their chicks learn to feed themselves as they grow.

Older terns have fewer young, but as they grow, they become more experienced parents, so the young that they have survive more often. 

After breeding, terns will rarely touch the ground again until the next season. 4 5

6. They will steal food off other birds

While Artic terms typically hunt for their own food, they can – despite their small size – sometimes engage in stealing food from other birds.

This is known as kleptoparasitism, and they will swoop at birds to startle them, causing them to release their catch.

7. Climate change might be screwing with this migration

Climate change can have a significant impact on the dispersal patterns of Arctic terns; the long-term patterns of breeding dispersal in these birds are influenced by climate conditions, and so subject as these conditions develop. 

At both ends of the planet, climate plays a role in determining the distances over which these birds disperse, and as temperatures and weather patterns change, so does food availability in these regions. This leads to a disruption in dispersal behaviours, as birds adapt accordingly. 

This change can happen very rapidly, and while the implications of this are still to be determined, understanding the process could be the key to the conservation of this species and others that are similarly affected. 

8. Now, they have polar bears to contend with

One clear consequence of the warming Arctic is the increased presence of polar bears on the nesting grounds of terns. 

Unlike the rocky landmass of Antarctica, the Arctic is mostly just solid water. As sea ice becomes more scarce, polar bears are being confined to the few patches of land that exist, which happens to also be where terns build their breeding colonies. 

A few tern eggs and hatchlings for breakfast could keep a polar bear going for a little while until they find something more substantial, but terns are ferocious parents and are more than capable of leaving the bears with a bloody nose and a disinclination to come back. 

Staying true to the family reputation, terns, like gulls, are a handful for anyone to deal with. 

9. For now, their population size is healthy

Despite some of the concerns about climate change and food sources, the Arctic tern is classified as ‘least concern’ by the IUCN.

Although their total population size is considered to be decreasing, it’s still estimated at more than two million individuals.

Arctic Tern Fact-File Summary

Scientific classification, fact sources & references.

• “ The Endless Summer of the Arctic Tern ”, Neshaminy School District.
• Carsten Egevang (2010), “ Tracking of Arctic terns Sterna paradisaea reveals longest animal migration , PNAS.
• R. Wiltschko (2012), “ The magnetite-based receptors in the beak of birds and their role in avian navigation ”, NIH.
• “ Arctic Tern ”, Ocean Wide Expeditions.
• J. C. COULSON (1975), “The influence of age on the breeding biology and survival of the Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea ”, Sci Hub.

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Arctic Tern Migration: A Complete Guide

Last updated: 27 April 2022

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• How do Arctic terns migrate?
• When do Arctic terns migrate?
• Why do Arctic terns migrate?
• How far do Arctic terns migrate?
• How long does it take for an Arctic tern to migrate?
• Do Arctic terns fly nonstop?
• Do Arctic terns migrate in flocks?
• Are all Arctic terns migratory?
• Where do Arctic terns go in winter?
• Where do Arctic terns go in the summer?
• Why is the Arctic tern called the champion of migration?
• Arctic Tern Migration FAQs

The Arctic tern ( Sterna paradisaea ) is a bird species that has long been held in awe for its incredible migrations between the North and South polar regions. Amazingly, recent studies have shown that these birds travel much further than previously thought.

The Arctic tern undergoes the longest migration of any animal species on Earth. These superlative birds can travel a distance equivalent to the moon and back three times during the course of their lives. Let that sink in for a minute!

Scientists are still working on putting all the pieces of the puzzle together, but much has been uncovered about their migration. This article covers their incredible journey and gives you a glimpse into the lives of one of nature's most amazing bird species.

Read on to learn how, when, and why these birds migrate.

A large flock of Arctic terns in flight

Arctic terns usually migrate over the open ocean, but they have been recorded traveling over land as well. While they often fly low, just over the surface of the water and the crests of waves, they can migrate at altitudes of nearly 10,000 feet.

Arctic terns are built for the air. These graceful birds weigh just 4 ounces or so but have a perfectly streamlined body shape that can be used for both powerful direct flight and effortless long-distance gliding.

They are smart about how they travel, too, often using tailwinds to save energy. On their way south after breeding, they don’t appear to be in too much of a hurry either, often traveling in meandering routes that take them through good feeding grounds and weather conditions.

The return trip seems to be taken with a little more urgency, and the birds take an S-shaped route up over the Atlantic ocean. The shape of the route is explained by the prevailing winds on either side of the equator.

Arctic Tern in flight over the Shetlands, UK

Arctic terns spend about four months of the year in active migration between their summer breeding area and overwintering grounds. Their southward migration typically takes place during the fall months, while their return trip takes place in the spring.

Arctic tern migrations have been studied using tiny instruments known as geolocators that are attached to the birds’ legs. Data collected this way, and by other observations, have helped us put together a picture of the timing of their migrations.

Read on for a look at a typical year in the life of the Arctic tern.

• September to November: The start of fall marks the beginning of the Arctic terns' epic southward migration to their Antarctic wintering grounds.
• December to March: The terns spend this time of the year on their wintering grounds in the Southern Ocean.
• April: This month marks the start of their return migration to the summer breeding grounds in the Arctic.
• May: The Arctic terns have reached the equatorial latitudes, marking the midpoint of their return migration.
• June: By this month, they have arrived in their northern breeding grounds.
• July to August: These months are a busy time when nesting and chick-rearing take place.

A group of Arctic terns hunting in Iceland

Arctic terns need to migrate each year because the polar winters are too dark for them to hunt. These birds hunt by sight by plunging into the water for small fish, crustaceans, and insects. The clever solution to this seasonal problem is to follow the sun, just like so many other migrants.

The Arctic may provide rich feeding and safe breeding grounds for Arctic terns in the summer, but these conditions change dramatically as the year progresses. At those latitudes, the day length varies greatly, creating summer days when the sun never really sets and perpetually dark winters!

Arctic terns migrate from the Arctic circle in the north to the Antarctic in the south, and back each year. This distance is roughly 25,000 miles (40,000 km) but since these birds do not fly in a straight line, the actual distance they travel is much further. Some individuals have been tracked to travel 56,000 miles (90,000 km) in a single year!

This is the longest migration of any bird. The actual distance of total migration varies a lot between individuals and the location of their breeding sites. These birds are not too rigid about the routes they take either, and they will happily take long detours if it means meeting up with better weather or food sources along the way.

It's thought that it requires around 30,000 kJ or energy of Arctic terns to complete their annual migration trips.

An Arctic tern perched on a rock

One of the fascinating things about Arctic tern migration is the variation in routes these birds take. The southward leg of the Arctic tern migration takes far longer than the northward return trip. It usually takes the birds about 3 months to reach their wintering grounds in the south, but just 40 days or so to return to their breeding grounds.

Arctic Terns usually migrate at heights of between 1,000 and 3,000 meters at a flight speed of up to 55 km/h (15 m/s).

Arctic terns do not complete the whole journey in one go and are known to stop over at staging areas and locations where food resources are abundant. They might stick around for as long as a month before continuing on their way.

Migration uses up so much energy that naturally these birds must feed along the way. Nevertheless, they have been recorded to travel as far as 5,000 miles, all while feeding on the go and not spending much time in any single area.

When on their northward migration journey, Arctic terns can travel at rapid speeds of over 500 km in a single day.

Arctic tern in flight

Arctic terns often migrate in small groups of 6 to 7 birds on average. They have also been recorded migrating singly, however, as well as in groups of as many as 70 birds.

Although their migration routes and breeding sites do vary somewhat, all Arctic terns breed at high latitudes in the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere and migrate south for the winter.

Arctic terns foraging for food

Arctic terns head south after breeding in the Arctic to avoid the harsh northern hemisphere winter. By the time winter is in full swing, most of these birds are enjoying the long sunny days in the Antarctic region. This is the summer season in the southern hemisphere, a time when the birds have easy access to rich sources of small fish and crustaceans to feed on.

Arctic terns spend the northern summer in the circumpolar Arctic. This large area includes parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, and Russia. Amazingly, a very large majority of adult terns return to nest near the exact site where they were born.

Arctic terns travel more distance than any other bird species each year

The Arctic tern is known as the champion of migration because it holds the record for the longest distance traveled each year by any bird. This isn't a once-off migration either. These little birds can live for more than three decades, making their bodies a wonder of endurance.

Thanks to their amazing migrations, Arctic terns are able to live and breed in some of the harshest environments on Earth by perpetually following the warmth of summer.

Do Arctic terns migrate at night?

Arctic terns migrate at all times of the day, including after dark. In the north, they have been recorded flying at high altitudes at night, using tailwinds to save energy. In the Antarctic regions, however, night flight was rarely recorded.

How many Arctic terns are left?

Research suggests that the Arctic tern population stands at about 2 million individuals. They are considered a Least Concern species, although their population trend is decreasing.

Where do Arctic terns nest?

Arctic terns are ground-nesting birds. They may be incredible travelers, but they aren’t the best nest-builders in the bird world. They typically lay their eggs on stony or sandy ground within about 350 feet of the water’s edge.

How long do Arctic terns live?

Arctic terns are relatively long-lived birds for their size and healthy individuals can live for over 3 decades. In fact, the oldest recorded individual lived at least 34 years.

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The Remarkable Migration of Arctic Terns

Introduction

The world is home to a myriad of awe-inspiring natural phenomena, and among them, the remarkable migration of Arctic Terns stands out as one of the most incredible journeys in the animal kingdom. These elegant and determined birds undertake an annual migration that covers thousands of miles, showcasing their extraordinary endurance and navigational prowess. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of Arctic Terns and their unparalleled migratory journey. We’ll explore the significance of their migration, the challenges they face, the science behind their incredible feats, and the vital role we play in their conservation. Join us on a journey of discovery as we embark on the trail of the Arctic Terns and uncover the secrets of their incredible migration.

The Arctic Tern: An Incredible Species

Description of arctic terns.

Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea) are remarkable seabirds known for their incredible long-distance migrations. These elegant birds are relatively small, with a wingspan of approximately 30 inches and a length of about 13 inches. Their plumage is primarily white with a black cap on their heads and deeply forked tails, making them easy to identify. Arctic Terns are renowned for their extraordinary annual migrations, traveling from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to their wintering areas in the Antarctic, covering a mind-boggling distance of up to 44,000 miles round-trip, which is the longest migration of any bird species.

Distribution and Habitat

Arctic Terns are found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the Arctic region during the breeding season. They prefer to nest in coastal areas, often on remote islands, where they are less susceptible to predation. These seabirds thrive in a wide range of habitats, from tundra and rocky shores to sandy beaches. Their nests are simple scrapes in the ground, and they are known to fiercely defend their territory during the breeding season.

Unique Characteristics

Arctic Terns possess a plethora of unique characteristics that distinguish them from other bird species. One of the most remarkable features is their impressive migratory journey. They follow a “zig-zag” path, exploiting prevailing winds to cover immense distances as they chase the endless summer between the poles. During this journey, they experience both the longest day and the longest night on Earth, making them true champions of adaptation.

Another fascinating trait is their longevity. Arctic Terns are known to have a lifespan of up to 30 years, a remarkable feat for a bird of their size. They are also known for their distinctive calls, which are a mixture of harsh cries and melodious sounds.

Arctic Terns are excellent hunters. They primarily feed on small fish and invertebrates, which they catch by hovering above the water before plunging down to seize their prey with remarkable precision. Their exceptional agility and speed in flight make them formidable hunters.

The Extraordinary Arctic Tern Migration

Route and distance covered.

The Arctic Tern’s annual migration is nothing short of miraculous, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of these avian travelers. These birds embark on an epic journey from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to their wintering grounds in the Antarctic, covering a staggering distance of up to 44,000 miles in a single round-trip. This journey takes them across the entire globe, effectively making them the world’s most extreme migrants.

The specific route Arctic Terns follow during their migration is awe-inspiring. They traverse a zig-zag path, which enables them to exploit prevailing winds to their advantage. This remarkable route takes them from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and vice versa, allowing them to experience both polar summers and evade the harsh winters that grip the regions they vacate. This migration strategy is a testament to their exceptional navigational skills and adaptation to challenging conditions.

Timing and Seasonality

The timing of the Arctic Tern migration is a well-orchestrated spectacle in the avian world. These incredible birds depart their breeding grounds in the Arctic during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, usually in late summer, as they aim to avoid the encroaching Arctic winter. They spend the Southern Hemisphere’s summer in the Antarctic, where food is abundant and daylight is nearly constant.

The Arctic Tern migration season is highly synchronized with the changing seasons, and the birds follow the rhythm of nature with remarkable precision. Their arrival in the Antarctic coincides with the proliferation of marine life, which provides an abundant food source for these expert hunters.

Challenges They Face During Migration

Despite their remarkable adaptations and navigational skills, Arctic Terns face numerous challenges during their awe-inspiring migration. One of the most significant threats they encounter is weather extremes. They must endure harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures, storms, and strong winds, as they traverse both polar regions.

Predation is another challenge during their migration. As they journey over vast ocean expanses, they are vulnerable to aerial predators such as gulls and skuas, which seek to prey on exhausted terns. Arctic Terns employ various strategies, including flying in large flocks and dive-bombing attackers to fend off potential threats.

The Science Behind the Migration

Research and tracking.

The Arctic Tern’s remarkable migration has captured the imagination of scientists and bird enthusiasts for decades, leading to extensive research and tracking efforts to unravel the mysteries of this epic journey. Ornithologists and biologists have utilized advanced technologies such as satellite tracking, geolocators, and banding to monitor individual terns and collect invaluable data on their movements.

These tracking methods have provided critical insights into the timing, routes, and stopover locations during the migration. Researchers have been able to map the intricate paths these birds follow, shedding light on the extraordinary navigational abilities of Arctic Terns.

Navigation Abilities

Arctic Terns are renowned for their exceptional navigational skills, which enable them to embark on such a complex and lengthy migration. One key factor in their navigation is their ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field. They possess tiny, iron-containing structures in their beaks called magnetite, which acts like a built-in compass, allowing them to perceive the Earth’s magnetic lines and orient themselves accurately.

In addition to their magnetic sense, Arctic Terns also use celestial cues, such as the position of the sun and stars, to guide their way. Their ability to recognize distinct landmarks and even identify subtle geographic features, like coastlines and islands, further contributes to their precision in navigation.

Adaptations for Long-Distance Flight

To accomplish the incredible feat of long-distance flight, Arctic Terns have evolved numerous adaptations that make them superb aerial travelers. Their lightweight bodies, streamlined shape, and elongated wings allow for efficient gliding and soaring, reducing energy expenditure during flight.

Arctic Terns possess an exceptional metabolic capacity that enables them to sustain the high energy demands of extended flight. They have a well-developed cardiovascular system, efficient respiratory system, and an incredible capacity to store and utilize fat for energy.

Moreover, these birds are known to undergo seasonal physiological changes, including muscle growth and alterations in their digestive system, to prepare for the demanding migration. They also exhibit a behavior known as “yo-yo migration,” where they alternate between periods of intense flight and rest to conserve energy effectively.

Conservation and Challenges

Threats to arctic tern populations.

Arctic Tern populations face several significant threats that challenge their survival. One of the primary concerns is climate change, which affects their breeding and feeding grounds. Warming temperatures can lead to the alteration of ocean currents and impact the availability of their prey species, ultimately affecting their reproductive success and migration patterns.

Another threat comes from habitat degradation and disturbance caused by human activities. As coastal development and tourism increase, Arctic Tern nesting sites can be disrupted, leading to reduced breeding success. Pollution, particularly plastic debris in the oceans, poses a risk as terns can ingest or become entangled in such materials.

Predation by invasive species, like rats and foxes on nesting islands, also poses a significant threat to Arctic Tern populations. These introduced predators can decimate tern colonies, causing long-lasting harm to breeding success.

Importance of Protecting Their Habitats

Protecting the habitats of Arctic Terns is crucial for their survival and the broader ecological balance. The pristine Arctic and Antarctic environments they inhabit are not only critical for terns but are also essential for various other species. These regions serve as crucial breeding and feeding grounds for marine life, and preserving them is vital for the overall health of our planet.

Furthermore, Arctic Terns play a role in the ecosystems they inhabit. They help control local fish populations by feeding on small fish and invertebrates, contributing to the balance of marine ecosystems. By conserving their habitats, we not only protect Arctic Terns but also maintain the health and diversity of these delicate ecosystems.

Conservation Efforts

Efforts to conserve Arctic Tern populations are underway, with a focus on mitigating the threats they face. Habitat protection and restoration projects aim to maintain pristine nesting sites and safeguard them from invasive predators. Many regions have designated protected areas where human activity is limited during breeding seasons, ensuring the terns’ undisturbed nesting.

Public awareness and education campaigns play a crucial role in garnering support for conservation efforts. These campaigns help to inform the public about the importance of Arctic Terns and their habitats and encourage responsible behavior near their breeding sites and migratory stopovers.

International cooperation is also vital for the conservation of Arctic Terns, as these birds migrate across borders. Collaborative efforts among countries and organizations help establish conservation agreements and implement measures to protect these remarkable birds throughout their range.

VIDEO CREDITS: Brut America

Q: How do Arctic Terns manage to fly such long distances?

A: Arctic Terns have extraordinary endurance, precision navigation abilities, and regular pit stops for feeding and resting.

Q: What is the purpose of Arctic Terns’ migration?

A: The primary goal is to find abundant food resources. Breeding in the Arctic and feeding in the Antarctic allows them to take advantage of the abundance of food.

Q: How long does the migration of Arctic Terns take?

A: Their migration is an annual cycle, taking several months to complete.

Q: Are Arctic Terns under threat due to climate change?

A: Yes, the changing climate poses a threat to their habitats and food availability. Conservation efforts are essential.

Q: What is the lifespan of Arctic Terns?

A: Arctic Terns can live up to 20 to 30 years.

Q: How do scientists study Arctic Terns during their migration?

A: Scientists use geolocators and satellite tracking to monitor the migration patterns and behavior of Arctic Terns.

The Arctic Terns’ migration is a testament to the marvels of the natural world. These resilient and resourceful birds embark on an epic journey that spans continents and seasons, demonstrating their extraordinary navigational skills and determination. As we marvel at their remarkable migration, we are reminded of the fragile beauty of our planet’s ecosystems and the importance of protecting them. The Arctic Terns’ story is not just a spectacle of nature but a call to action. We must take steps to safeguard their habitats and ensure their survival for generations to come. As we look to the skies and witness the Arctic Terns’ journey, let it be a source of inspiration to nurture and protect the incredible diversity of life on Earth, recognizing that the beauty of nature’s migrations is a gift worth preserving.

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Arctic Tern migration mapped in unprecedented detail

A Newcastle University-led team has mapped the route and stop-off points during Arctic Tern's record-breaking 56,000-mile annual migration to an unprecedented level of detail, using data from electronic tags retrieved from 47 terns.

The team, which worked in collaboration with BBC's Springwatch , tagged 53 adult Arctic Terns on the Farne Islands, Northumberland, over a three-year period. Of these, 47 tags were retrieved. Key discoveries, which were published in Ibis this week, included:

• A 5,000-mile, 24-day, non-stop flight over the Indian Ocean, feeding on the move.
• An overland detour from the Farne Irelands to the Irish Sea and over Ireland to the Atlantic.
• A short stay on the New Zealand coast before completing the final leg of the journey.
• A stop-off at Llangorse Lake, in the Brecon Beacons National Park, during the return journey in the spring.

Weighing a little over 100 g, Arctic Tern has the longest migration of any bird, travelling all the way from the breeding grounds in the Farnes to Antarctica for the winter, before returning in spring.

Dr Chris Redfern of Newcastle University, who has been analysing the data, commented: "Technology is revealing details of the movement and behaviour of these amazing birds in unprecedented detail.

"Arctic Terns feed on surface fish and other marine animals so it has always been assumed they would migrate via a coastal route, down the North Sea and through the English Channel. But instead our data has shown their regular route is to travel overland across the UK to the Irish Sea and some are going even further, crossing Ireland to the North Atlantic."

After that, it's a long flight south, down the coast of West Africa and then out across the Indian Ocean.

"Our data suggests their flight over the Indian Ocean is an 8,000-km-long haul without a break, probably feeding on the move," added Dr Redfern. "For a bird that weighs less than an iPhone, that's an amazing feat.

"Many of the terns have gone even further, ending up around New Zealand before turning south towards the East Antarctic, finally arriving four months after leaving Northumberland.

"The scale of their migratory journey across featureless oceans is breathtaking! In that context, the UK land mass between the Irish Sea and the Farne Islands must be no obstacle at all to an Arctic Tern and the quickest route to their breeding colony."

The data also highlights key stop-off points off the coast of Lancashire and Wales in April and May as the terns make their way back to the Farne Islands to breed.

Dr Redfern, who carried out the study with Dr Richard Bevan and the Natural History Society of Northumbria, said this comprehensive study of Arctic Tern migration patterns would help with future conservation efforts. "Understanding their behaviour in detail means we can start to build a picture of which areas are important feeding and breeding grounds," he concluded.

Gwen Potter, Countryside Manager at the National Trust, added: "These birds are expected to return this year and it is likely that they have flown thousands of miles in their lifetime. What is fascinating, and something we didn't realise, is that the birds actually head to the Irish Sea before continuing on their journey to Antarctica. Even in their first year after fledging these incredible birds make their journey to the South Pole; just imagine a tiny baby bird making its way across all those continents, whatever the weather – it blows your mind."

"Thousands of visitors flock to the Farnes every year to enjoy the remarkable wildlife. What our visitors don't always see is the monitoring work that the rangers have been doing behind the scenes for over four decades to monitor and manage wildlife on the islands and the Northumberland Coast. As well as the Farnes, we're also still monitoring at Beadnell Bay at the Long Nanny Shorebird site, which is located between the villages of Beadnell and Low Newton."

Longest flight ever recorded

More than 2,000 pairs of Arctic Terns breed on the Farne Islands. Sitting two miles off the coast of Northumberland, the islands are home to 87,000 pairs of seabirds, including Puffin , Common Eider and European Shag . The National Trust has cared for the Farne Islands since 1925.

Previous studies have shown these birds are likely to return each year to the same few square metres of ground, making it an ideal environment to carry out year-to-year tracking studies with geolocators.

Earlier data from the study, featured on Springwatch in 2016, showed that one bird had flown an estimated 96,000 km (almost 60,000 miles) from its breeding grounds on the Farne Islands to its winter quarters in Antarctica in 2015. The bird started its migration on 25 July, reaching the tip of South Africa by 25 August. It then moved into the Indian Ocean, where it spent almost all of October, before moving to its second staging area on the coast of Antarctica (from 3-15 November). It then slowly made its way along the edge of the Antarctic continent until eventually ending up in the Weddell Sea from 3 February-23 March 2016, before finally moving up to the tip of South Africa by April 2016. It then migrated north along the west coast of Africa and arrived at the Farne Islands on 4 May 2016.

Over its lifetime, the record-breaking tern could be flying as far as 2 million miles between the Farne Islands and Antarctica, the equivalent of almost four trips to the moon and back.

Redfern, C P F, and Bevan, R M. 2019. Overland movement and migration phenology in relation to breeding of Arctic Terns Sterna paradisaea . Ibis . DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.12723.

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Arctic tern.

The Arctic Tern could really be called the Arctic-Antarctic Tern. It has the longest migration of all birds, flying from breeding grounds near the North Pole to wintering grounds off Antarctica. That's a journey of about 40,000 km (25,000 miles), often made in less than four months. Makes you feel tired just thinking about it.

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Surprising insights into the migrations of Arctic terns

The global prevalence of the Arctic tern is declining, and efforts by researchers to study colony migration bottlenecks have become challenging due to the bird’s record-breaking geographical range. However, research from the University of British Columbia has concluded that despite its long-range annual migration, the Arctic tern only uses a few routes. The new insight may ultimately help conservation efforts.

“We don’t have a more far-ranging animal. They are an indicator species that can tell us so much about the different ecosystems that they travel through,” explained Joanna Wong, the lead author of the study. “If they don’t make it to their destination one year, then you know there might be an environmental problem somewhere along their route.” 

The birds breed and nest in Northern Europe and Canada before migrating over 70,000 kilometers to forage in Antarctic waters, yet migrations patterns have so far only been tracked across Europe. 

“We don’t know exactly what kills terns,” stated  Dr. Marie Auger-Méthé , co-author of the study. “However, because all Terns share only a few routes, a human-created barrier on one of these routes – such as a spot with lots of fishing or a wind farm – is likely to affect a very large portion of the world’s Arctic terns.”

Wong explained that her only expectation for this study was to get a clearer picture of Canadian Arctic tern migration. “But when we compared our results to other tern tracking studies, it was crazy that there was such a similarity between all of them. It was a pattern that we couldn’t just ignore.” 

The UBC team collaborated with eight other research groups across North America and Germany to capture and track the migration routes of terns. The route analysis showed that the majority of the species took one of three routes across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans when migrating south, staying close to the coast. However, migrating north led the terns to fly directly over the middle of the oceans.

“It’s clear that food is a huge driver when they take the coastal routes. It makes sense because they’re leaving after breeding, where they use a lot of energy,” said Wong. “The northbound journey is influenced by wind. They want to get back to breeding spots as soon as possible because there’s a lot of competition for the best nesting spots.”

According to the study authors, the assessment of seasonal “mobile marine protected areas” can be used as a tool to help protect Arctic tern populations from human-related impacts on habitat during seasonal activity. 

The study is published in the Marine Ecology Progress Series .

By Calum Vaughan , Earth.com Staff Writer

Arctic Tern

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Sterna paradisaea

Status: Not Listed

Classification: Bird

​Description

The arctic tern is a slender bird with narrow wings and short legs. This small but mighty flyer is well known for its long-distance migration, traveling each year from one end of the world to the other and back. The arctic tern's wingspan ranges between 25 and 30 inches (64 and 76 centimeters), while its body length averages 11 to 16 inches (28 to 41 centimeters).

The bird's coloration varies depending on age and season. When arctic terns hatch, they are gray or brown. As adults, their feathers are gray or white during the breeding season. Their beak and legs are red, and a black patch covers their head and forehead. In the non-breeding season, the bird's beak and legs are black, and the black patch of color on its head shrinks.

During the summer breeding season, arctic terns nest by the shore as far south as New England and Washington State. Their migration route follows the west coast all the way to Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost point of South America. Arctic terns can also be seen along the eastern coast of South America, Western Europe, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, and on Pacific islands. Their winter habitat extends to the northernmost points of Antarctica.

Breeding grounds range in type and include boreal forests, islands, tundras, and rocky beaches. After migration, the birds spend their winter on pack ice. During this time, they undergo a molt and lose most of their feathers. Sometimes the feathers are lost more quickly than they can be replaced, and as a result the individual is flightless for a period of time.

When feeding, arctic terns hover in midair before plunging into the water to catch fish or crustaceans. Occasionally the arctic tern steals food from other birds by flying at them and startling them, causing them to drop their catch. They also capture insects.

​Life History

In terms of distance, arctic terns are thought to have the longest yearly migration of any animal. Every year they travel from their Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctica and back—a distance of at least 25,000 miles (40,000 kilometers). In 2016, one arctic tern was tracked and recorded traveling 59,650 miles (96,000 kilometers) over the course of its yearly migration.

To breed, arctic terns often return to the same area in which they hatched. They are ground-nesting species, and both parents rear the young. Hatchlings stay with their parents for about three months before they venture off on their own. Reproductive maturity is reached at three to four years of age. At least one individual is known to have lived for 34 years.

​Conservation

The arctic tern population appears to be stable, but population trends are difficult to observe because of the birds’ remote range. Climate change may pose a threat because arctic terns rely on Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems, which are now changing.

The sooty shearwater also undertakes a lengthy migration. Electronic tagging of these birds revealed they travel nearly 40,000 miles (64,000 kilometers) every year, moving between New Zealand and the North Pacific.

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Experiential Learning: Arctic Tern Migration

Recently, I brought back one of my all-time favorite lessons: an experiential learning activity about the incredible migration of the Arctic Tern. I conduct this activity with my second grade students as it perfectly blends our studies of habitats and adaptations (with a special focus on birds).

First, some background knowledge.

Arctic Tern ( Sterna paradisaea)

The Arctic Tern is a small white and grey bird with a black head, red bill, and red legs. It makes the longest annual migration of any animal, flying yearly from its breeding ground in the Arctic to Antarctica's Weddell Sea and back--a roundtrip journey of about 50,000 miles. Over a thirty-year period, that's like traveling to the moon and back three times!

Researchers have used trackers t o map the flight paths of the birds, and have discovered that they leave the Arctic in August, and then make a pit stop in the North Atlantic ocean for about a month to feed. Then, it's off on the largest segment of their journey, flying either along the coast of South America or Africa until they reach the Weddell Sea in November. The birds eat, molt, and hang out on icebergs until April, when they fly straight back to their Arctic breeding groups.

While there are no shortage of picture books about migration, and many videos about the arctic tern exist online, I want my students to have an appreciation for this remarkable journey, as well as an understanding of how migration is an integral part of their life cycle. So over the years, I've tweaked and honed this experiential learning lesson (adapted from this Arctic Tern Migration Simulation ) to make the learning meaning and memorable. While I don't follow a strict learning cycle format in my classroom, this particular lesson fits nicely into that framework.

I introduce the concept of migration and show a video about Arctic Terns like this one . My students are almost always familiar with the term migration, so I am able to use that word from the start. If your students are not, there are many wonderful picture books and videos that can help build background knowledge.

Two of my favorite nonfiction picture books are Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin and Hummingbird by Nicola Davies.

Next, students create their own Arctic Terns from cardstock and red pipe cleaners from the patterns provided in the free Arctic Tern Migration Simulation download. Students also color and cut out eggs, chicks, fish, and krill from the patterns. I tell students that the next time they come to science, they will take an incredible journey with their terns!

Some advance setup is needed before this stage: selecting locations around the school to represent the North Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica/the Weddell Sea, preparing the information folders and materials for each location, and setting up the migration stops.

I set up the floor in my science room to represent the tundra, with nests drawn on green construction paper to represent the tundra. With the length of my class period in mind, I opted to glue eggs to each nest in advance; with more time, I would have left those off and had students add them to the nests to simulate egg laying.

The foyer just down the hallway served as the North Atlantic ocean, where I placed blue construction paper and small fish around on the ground.

I selected a location across the school (the formal living room of the old mansion that is now part of the school building) to serve as Antarctica. I wanted it to be as far as a walk for my students as possible! Light blue construction paper with cutout krill represented the Weddell Sea.

Each location had a "Top Secret" folder that included a map, one or more scripts detailing the month(s) and birds' behavior, and at least one QR code to a corresponding video.

When it was finally time for class, students grabbed their terns and settled in around the "tundra." A volunteer read the script for June, and students used iPads to scan the QR code and watch a video of a tern and its chicks. Students then acted out nest building, egg laying, chick hatching, and feeding the chicks fish.

Next, a volunteer read a script for August. We watched a video of Arctic Terns in flight, then set off down the hall on our journey.

We stopped at the North Atlantic Ocean station and repeated the pattern: read a script, watch a video , act out the behaviors (in this case, feeding on as many fish as possible), and read a second script with an additional video (minutes 3:00 to 4:00 of this longer video).

Once again, we were off--a line of Arctic terns flapping their wings and gliding on air currents as we walked through as much of the school as possible. I encouraged students to keep their arms extended with their terns moving to help them feel the length of the journey. I had alerted the school to the great migration taking place, and so students and faculty cheered us along, and former students reminisced about their own migration in second grade! I also made sure to walk through the (empty) gym so students could run. After all, second grade Arctic Terns can only stay quiet for so long!

At last, we reached Antarctica and the Weddell Sea. We again listened to a student read about Antarctica and watched a video of the Weddell Sea to help visualize the environment. Students acted out eating krill as well. I had brought along the new picture book Good Eating: The Short Life of Krill by Matthew Lilley, but we didn't end up having time to read it.

Finally, we made the long journey back to the Arctic tundra, where we listened to a student read one last script explaining how the yearly cycle would start all over again. We didn't have time to act out the breeding and nesting process again, but it would have been a nice addition.

During our next few science classes, students wrote stories about their tern's journey and painted watercolor illustrations to accompany them. I encouraged students to refer back to the "Top Secret" folders and videos for details about the migration, and to blend the scientific information with a narrative tale. Students took a variety of approaches to their writing: some wrote very factual accounts while others embellished with dialogue and emotion. Some wrote diaries and others wrote chapters for each leg of the journey. Students shared their work in pairs and I edited before they created a final draft.

I was fortunate enough to connect with a scientist through the Skype A Scientist program , and she Zoomed with my students to discuss her research on another migratory bird, the whimbrel. It was incredible to observe my students applying what they had learned from our migration to ask informed questions of our guest speaker. Students were able to make many connections between the annual migration of the whimbrel to that of the Arctic Tern as well.

Much of my assessment throughout this lesson was formative, including observation of students during the migration and Zoom session, listening to their questions, and noting their responses to my questions. Of course, their stories served as a creative summative assessment. I used a checklist for students to self-assess that they included all steps of the journey. As my school uses standards-based grading in the elementary school, I used the story as an assessment for my standard "Shares scientific information orally and in writing."

Thanks for sticking with me through a long post--I hope it didn't feel like you were traveling to Antarctica and back! I'd love to hear thoughts and ideas for making this favorite lesson even more successful, or how it went with your students.

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