This content highlights ten incredible migration patterns found in various species of birds and sharks. From the Arctic Tern’s record-breaking migration of 44,000 miles to the Swainson’s Hawk’s journey covering more than 12,000 miles, these patterns allow the animals to find food and suitable habitats during different seasons. The Snow Geese travel in flocks numbering in the hundreds of thousands, while the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbirds accomplish a remarkable feat of crossing the Gulf of Mexico, covering 500 miles non-stop. The Northern Pintail Duck and Wilson’s Warbler migrate extensively during the winter season, covering various regions in North and South America. Even sharks have a unique migration pattern as the plankton-eating shark travels up the Eastern Coast of the United States covering around 1,200 miles. Finally, the Great White Pelican migrates from Eastern Europe and Western Asia to sub-Saharan Africa, covering more than 2,500 miles.
1. Arctic Tern
The Arctic Tern holds the record for the longest migration of any bird. Its journey spans around 44,000 miles, as it makes its way from the Arctic during summer to the Antarctic during winter. This migration allows it to follow the summer and find food for almost the entire year.
2. Snow Geese
From the Canadian Arctic tundra to the southern United States, Snow Geese have one of the most impressive migration patterns. These white birds travel in flocks numbering in the hundreds of thousands, making for a truly unforgettable sight.
3. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly across the Gulf of Mexico, covering approximately 500 miles non-stop. These tiny birds weigh less than a dime, yet they accomplish such a remarkable feat.
4. Bar-tailed Godwit
The Bar-tailed Godwit can spend up to eight days flying nonstop during their migration from Alaska to New Zealand. The longest recorded flight for one of these birds was an impressive 7,145 miles.
5. Monarch Butterfly
The Monarch Butterfly is famous for its migration pattern in the United States and Canada. It travels south from August to November, covering up to 3,000 miles, to places such as California and Mexico.
6. Wilson’s Warbler
The Wilson’s Warbler is known for its migration pattern through Central and South America. These small yellow birds travel from Alaska and Western Canada to regions such as Argentina and Brazil each winter.
7. Northern Pintail Duck
The Northern Pintail Duck migrates extensively during the winter season. With their unique and diverse migration patterns, these ducks can travel from as far north as the Arctic Tundra to as far south as Central America.
8. Swainson’s Hawk
The Swainson’s Hawk migrates through North and South America, covering more than 12,000 miles each year. Its journey is among the longest of any North American bird.
9. Plankton-eating Shark
Sharks are not birds, but the plankton-eating shark travels a distance of around 1,200 miles during its annual migration. These sharks move up the Eastern Coast of the United States as they hunt for food.
10. Great White Pelican
The Great White Pelican has an impressive migration pattern that covers more than 2,500 miles. Each winter, these birds migrate from Eastern Europe and Western Asia to regions such as sub-Saharan Africa.