The Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri), a small grey wading bird, holds the verified record for the longest non-stop flight in nature. This bird crosses the Pacific Ocean between Alaska and New Zealand/Australia in a single stage, covering approximately 11,000 to 12,000 km over 8 to 11 days, without landing, eating, or drinking.
The Alaska-New Zealand route represents the longest known non-stop migration in any animal. In 2020, an individual flew approximately 12,200 km in 11 days. To endure this extreme crossing, the birds build up fat reserves, which can reach 55% of their body mass, and their bodies temporarily remodel, reducing the size of organs like the intestine and stomach to optimize flight.
Upon arrival in New Zealand or Australia, the godwits feed intensely to regain their physical condition, regenerating digestive and muscular organs. This feat, repeated annually, highlights the species' impressive endurance.
