Arctic Tern
NameArctic Tern
Common NameArctic Tern
Scientific NameSterna paradisaea
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)76
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsAdult Arctic Terns display pale grey upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive black cap. Their bill is blood-red, and their legs are also red. The tail is deeply forked with long streamers, and the primary flight feathers have dark tips.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a harsh, grating 'kree-ah' or 'keer-arr' call, often given during territorial disputes or when disturbed. They also emit a sharp 'kip-kip-kip' alarm call.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, tundra, islands, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Undertakes the longest migratory journey of any bird, traveling from its Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic Ocean for winter, covering approximately 70,000-80,000 km annually.
Identifying FeaturesBlack cap, Blood-red bill (lacking a black tip in breeding adults), Long, deeply forked tail streamers, Pale grey upperparts and white underparts, Red legs, Distinctive buoyant flight
Description
The Arctic Tern is a medium-sized seabird renowned for its epic annual migration, traveling from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back. It has a graceful flight, often hovering before diving for fish, and is characterized by its sleek grey and white plumage.
