Why do Arctic seabirds migrate to the region during summer?

Arctic seabirds migrate to the Arctic Ocean region during the summer primarily to breed and rear their young.12

These birds rely on the region's marine food base, which becomes highly productive during the summer months. Nesting colonies are typically located on coastal cliffs adjacent to upwelling currents in the sea, where the abundance of invertebrates and fish provides the necessary resources to support the birds and their offspring. In the High Arctic, these feeding opportunities are further supported by polynya—areas of open water within the pack ice—which allow seabirds to access food sources even at high latitudes.12

While a few species, such as the black guillemot, may remain in the Arctic during winter by utilizing these open-water areas, the vast majority of Arctic seabirds migrate to temperate, tropical, or maritime areas in more southern latitudes once the breeding season concludes.12