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In the world of migrants, the petite Arctic tern is a champion. Each year, the robin-sized seabird, featured in NATURE's EARTH NAVIGATORS, travels up to 20,000 miles from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back. The feat is even more remarkable, researchers say, because the bird almost never rests. It is constantly either in the air, diving for fish, or bringing food to its nestlings.
Arctic terns undertake monumental journeys.
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Why such a long journey? It's probably a by-product of the earth's geologic evolution. Millions of years ago, when the continents hadn't yet drifted into their present positions and the climate was different, the birds may have had shorter trips between agreeable summer and wintering grounds. But as the earth changed, areas with the favored conditions grew further and further apart. The birds adapted, slowly developing the ability to survive the long commutes. Eventually, it became a routine part of life.
The tern isn't the only long distance traveller. Animals ranging from giant humpback whales to tiny eels make massive journeys in search of food and mates. Some don't eat for weeks or months while traveling, plumping up before starting out and arriving exhausted and hungry at their destinations. Others snack along the way, stopping now and again for a rest.
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Globe Trotters
Why do some animals get the urge to move?
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Long Distance
Meet the migrating animals.
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A Hopping Plague
Farmers fear these swarming pests.
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Resources
Navigate the Web for more on migration.
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