Wings Over Two Worlds
With wings stretched wide, the Arctic Tern glides from the frozen north to the icy south, chasing summer all year round. This feathered traveler experiences more daylight than any other animal, truly living in endless summer.
Arctic Dawn Departure
Each spring, the tern lifts off from the Arctic, leaving behind snow and silence. They launch their journey as the tundra bursts into life, their white wings catching the first golden rays of polar sun.
Antarctic Arrival
After months at sea, the terns touch down on Antarctic shores, swapping one summer for another. Here, they feast on rich southern waters, surrounded by glaciers and swirling seabirds.
Migratory Marathoners
These birds conquer a staggering 44,000-mile roundtrip every year—the longest migration of any animal. Their epic journey is a breathtaking dance between hemispheres, powered by sheer determination and instinct.
Above the Open Ocean
For most of their lives, Arctic Terns fly far from land, skimming waves and sleeping on the wing. The endless blue below and open sky above becomes their moving home, with nothing but clouds and stars for company.
Summer Sun Chasers
By timing their travels, terns bask in nearly continuous daylight. They witness both Arctic midnight sun and Antarctic long days, a magical double summer no other creature enjoys.
Feathered Fisherfolk
Arctic Terns are expert hunters, plunging headfirst into frigid seas for small fish and shrimp. Their sharp eyes spot silvery prey from high above, striking with the precision of an arrow.
Chick Season in the North
When they return to the Arctic, terns nest in sprawling colonies. Parents fiercely defend their fluffy chicks from foxes and gulls, their sharp cries echoing across the wild tundra.
Partnered for Life
Most Arctic Terns mate for life, returning year after year to the same partner and nesting ground. Their courtship is a graceful ballet in the sky, with gifts of fish exchanged mid-flight.
Clouds of White and Gray
A tern colony is a sight to behold: thousands of birds swirling in a flurry of wings, their calls rising above the crash of distant waves. It’s a living snowstorm set against summer’s bright green.
Guided by the Magnetic Map
Scientists believe Arctic Terns use Earth’s magnetic field and the position of the sun to navigate their vast route. This built-in compass guides them unerringly between the top and bottom of the world.
Surviving the Elements
From icy winds to towering storms, terns endure every hardship the planet throws their way. Their light bodies and dense feathers keep them warm and buoyant, even on the wildest seas.
Sentinels of Change
As climate shifts reshape the poles, the tern’s journey grows ever more challenging. Changes in ice and food supply force these resilient birds to adapt, making their survival a hopeful symbol for a changing world.
A Call Echoing Through Hemispheres
Wherever they fly, the tern’s sharp “kee-arrr” rings out across empty oceans and lonely coastlines, a wild reminder of nature’s enduring rhythms.
From Hatchling to Hero
In just a few months, tern chicks transform from downy fluffballs to global wanderers, ready to embark on their first epic migration—a journey guided by ancient instinct.
The Ultimate Summer Seekers
No other creature claims two summers, two worlds, and two homes each year. The Arctic Tern is a living bridge between the Earth’s extremes, a symbol of endurance, freedom, and the magic of perpetual light.