An Arctic Tern flies a distance equivalent to three round trips to the Moon during its lifetime.

The Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) holds the record for the longest migration of any known animal. Research published in 2010 by the National Academy of Sciences used tiny tracking devices called geolocators to map their journey. The study followed birds from Greenland and Iceland, revealing they do not fly in a straight line but follow a zigzag path to take advantage of global wind patterns.On average, these birds travel about 70,000 kilometers or 44,000 miles annually as they move from their northern breeding grounds to the Antarctic summer. Because Arctic Terns can live for up to 30 years, their cumulative travel distance often exceeds 2.4 million kilometers. This is roughly equal to three or four round trips between the Earth and the Moon, which is an average of 238,855 miles away.By moving between the northern and southern summers, the Arctic Tern sees two summers per year. This behavior ensures they remain in daylight more than any other creature on the planet, which is vital for their hunting success. They primarily feed on small fish and crustaceans near the ocean surface, requiring high visibility to dive and catch prey effectively.This incredible feat of endurance is supported by their lightweight bodies and aerodynamic wing shapes. Despite weighing only about 100 grams, they possess the stamina to cross vast oceans without landing for long periods. Their migration is a masterclass in biological efficiency and navigational precision, guided by the Earth's magnetic field and the position of the sun.