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The Arctic Tern and Other Year-Round Arctic Birds
Every year, the northern hemisphere experiences winter. For many birds, this means it’s time to migrate south to a warmer climate until spring arrives. But for some species of bird, these frigid temperatures are no obstacle – some stay in their cold arctic habitat all year round!
The Most Common Year-Round Arctic Bird: The Arctic Tern
One of the most common birds that lives in the arctic year round is an iconic seabird known as the Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea). This graceful creature spends its summer months breeding along coasts and islands in Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Russia before heading out on its epic migration to Antarctica every fall. On their journey they travel up to 44 thousand miles per year – making them one of the longest migratory routes of any animal! Despite this long journey, they return back north each spring without fail. Their populations have managed to survive despite the harshness of their environment due to strong pair bonds and large colonies that provide safety from predators.
Other Year-Round Residents
While not quite as numerous or well known as the Arctic Terns, there are several other species that call parts of northern Eurasia and North America home throughout winter months too; including Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus), Lapland Longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus), Rock Ptarmigans (Lagopus muta) , Redpolls (Carduelis flammea) , Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) , Red Knots (Calidris canutus). All these species have adapted over time so they can survive even when food supplies are scarce during these colder times by relying on stored body fat or eating frozen vegetation such as mosses or lichens found under snow banks.
Conclusion
To summarize, even with extreme weather conditions like those found in northernmost regions around earth’s poles – there are still birds willing take on challenge! Species like our beloved arctic tern spend nearly half their life in icy climates while others settle for short periods at a time through autumn & winter months . So next time you’re enjoying your warm comfy bed during a freezing cold night remember – somewhere out there someone is braving it too!