Arctic Terns

Which bird flies the longest distance? The arctic tern. These birds fly up to 96,000 km per year! That’s like driving across the United States 18 times!

Where are the terns going? They fly from the Arctic to Antarctica. Then they fly back.

The birds spend the summer in the Arctic. They lay eggs. They take care of the baby birds.

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The birds start to fly to Antarctica in September. They fly for two or three months. Then they get to Antarctica.

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They spend the summer there. Summer in Antarctica is from December to March.

The birds eat small fish. They need fuel to fly back to the arctic. Fuel gives the power to move or run. Just like a car needs gas to run.

The birds start to fly back in April. They reach the Arctic by May or June.

What Do You Think? Do other birds fly long distances? How could you find out? 

Photo Credit: Frank Fichtmueller/Shutterstock