The Arctic tern migrates annually between the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
This seabird breeds across the northern polar regions, including northern Europe, Asia, and North America. After breeding, it travels south to Antarctic waters, where it spends the southern summer. It therefore experiences two polar summers each year and more daylight than any other animal.
Arctic terns usually return to the same general breeding areas each year. Their migration is not a single straight route: birds may follow different paths southward and northward, often using productive ocean regions for feeding. Some journeys cover tens of thousands of kilometres.
The Arctic tern is sometimes confused with the common tern, a closely related species with a broader distribution. The key fact is the Arctic tern’s regular pole-to-pole migration, rather than simply its ability to live in cold climates. Its long, pointed wings and forked tail are adaptations for efficient long-distance flight.