The Arctic Tern is a bird known for its remarkable long-distance migration. This impressive species travels an incredible round trip of up to 44,000 miles each year, making it the farthest-flying bird on Earth. Here are ten fascinating facts about this amazing bird.

1. Range and Distribution: The Arctic Tern can be found in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, including Northern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Russia.

2. Unique Wings: The Arctic Tern has unique wings that allow for smooth long-distance flying. The wings are slender and pointed, and the wingspan is around three feet. The wings also have a unique angle that helps the bird maintain stability during flight.

3. Incredible Longevity: The Arctic Tern is known for its longevity, with some individuals living up to 30 years or more. This is one of the longest lifespan in any bird species.

4. Long-Distance Migrators: The Arctic Tern is famous for its annual migration, which is the longest in the animal kingdom. The bird flies from its breeding grounds in the Arctic to its overwintering areas in the Antarctic, covering a distance of up to 44,000 miles each year.

5. Seasonal Breeding: During the breeding season, the Arctic Tern nests on the ground in colonies, usually on beaches or small islands in the Arctic. Females lay a single egg, which is incubated by both parents.

6. Fish Eaters: The Arctic Tern feeds mainly on fish, such as herring, sand lance, and capelin. The bird also eats crustaceans, such as krill and shrimp, and occasionally eats insects.

7. Mass Migration: The Arctic Tern breeds in large colonies, often numbering in the thousands. These colonies can be found in different parts of the Arctic, such as Alaska, Russia, and Greenland.

8. Voice and Sound: The Arctic Tern has a distinct and high-pitched call that sounds like “keeeyaa.” During the breeding season, the bird becomes more vocal, often calling to defend its territory and attract a mate.

9. Predators: The Arctic Tern faces several threats from predators, including gulls, skuas, foxes, and falcons. The bird’s nesting sites are also vulnerable to habitat destruction and climate change.

10. Conservation: The Arctic Tern is a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, conservation efforts are needed to protect the bird’s breeding and overwintering habitats, as well as the fish stocks it depends on for survival.

In conclusion, the Arctic Tern is a remarkable bird that holds many records, including the farthest-flying bird on Earth. Its unique features, incredible migration, and conservation status make it a fascinating species to study and protect.