The Arctic Tern: Introduction and Characteristics

The Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) is a small seabird that belongs to the family Laridae. It is a migratory bird that breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions and spends the winter in the Antarctic. The Arctic Tern is a striking bird with a white body, gray wings, and a forked tail. It has a wingspan of approximately 75 cm and weighs around 100-140 grams.

One of the unique features of the Arctic Tern is its ability to live up to 30 years, making it one of the longest-living birds. It is also known for its aggressive behavior, especially during the breeding season, where it defends its territory and young from predators and other birds. The Arctic Tern’s call is a distinctive “kir-rick” or “ki-ri-ki” sound that can be heard from a distance.

The Arctic Tern’s Migration Path: From Pole to Pole

The Arctic Tern has the longest migration path of any bird, traveling from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again each year. This journey covers a distance of approximately 44,000 km, which is equivalent to traveling around the Earth’s equator. The Arctic Tern follows a circular route, flying from the Arctic to the Antarctic in the summer and returning to the Arctic in the winter.

During its migration, the Arctic Tern faces several challenges, including harsh weather conditions, predators, and lack of food. The bird flies over open water for most of its journey, relying on wind patterns and ocean currents to conserve energy. The Arctic Tern’s migration is a remarkable feat of endurance and navigation, and scientists are still studying how the bird is able to navigate such long distances.