10 birds that fly millions of kilometres every year

Jan 31, 2025 Sonal Khandelwal

Sky travellers

Some birds travel unimaginable distances every year, crossing continents and oceans in search of food and breeding grounds. Here are ten incredible avian migrators that fly millions of kilometres annually. Pexels

Common swift

Barely touching the ground, this aerial acrobat flies over 200,000 kilometres annually. It eats, sleeps, and even mates in the air, staying aloft for months without landing. Pexels

Amur falcon

These small falcons cross continents, flying 22,000 kilometres yearly from Asia to Africa. Their journey includes an epic nonstop flight over the Indian Ocean, one of nature’s greatest feats. Pexels

Arctic tern

The ultimate wanderer, this small bird flies from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back, covering over 70,000 kilometres yearly. It experiences more daylight than any other creature. Pexels

Bar-tailed godwit

With record-breaking endurance, this wader flies nonstop for over 11,000 kilometres from Alaska to New Zealand. It survives without rest, refuelling only before its epic journey across open ocean. Pexels

Northern wheatear

A tiny songbird with a mighty journey, it flies over 14,000 kilometres from the Arctic to Africa. Despite its size, it bravely crosses oceans and deserts with astonishing precision. Pexels

Pectoral sandpiper

This energetic traveller covers over 13,000 kilometres each year, moving between Arctic breeding grounds and South American wetlands. It relies on precise timing to navigate changing seasons and food availability. Pexels

Red knot

One of the longest migratory travellers, this shorebird flies over 15,000 kilometres each way. Its journey from the Arctic to Argentina depends on key stopovers for vital refuelling. Pexels

Sooty shearwater

Master of the winds, this seabird circles the Pacific, covering around 65,000 kilometres yearly. It navigates through changing seasons, always chasing abundant fish and squid across the world's oceans. Pexels

Swainson’s hawk

This raptor soars over 20,000 kilometres between North and South America. It forms massive flocks called'kettles'and depends on thermals to glide effortlessly across vast landscapes. Pexels

Wandering albatross

Gliding effortlessly over oceans, this legendary seabird covers millions of kilometres in its lifetime. With the largest wingspan of any bird, it rides wind currents with little effort. Pexels

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