I recently learnt about the incredible bar-tailed godwit: a little bird coming in at 38cm long and only 300-400 grams.
Each year they complete the longest known migration of any bird species: a journey of almost 10,000kms from New Zealand to Alaska (and on the way up to Alaska they also make a pit stop in China’s Yellow Sea!). All up, it takes them about 8 days, and during that time they don’t sleep or rest. The funny thing is they’re obese and prime athletes at the same time (they need the fuel for the flight).
Unfortunately, like many other species, the bar-tailed godwit population is declining. Scientists are tracking their migratory pathways to figure out what could be threatening their existence. It’s amazing to think that the survival of such an amazing bird depends on the health and biodiversity of 3 places as unique as New Zealand, China, and Alaska.
If you’re interested to learn more, here is a little 10 min documentary I enjoyed watching today.