Arctic Tern
NameArctic Tern
Common NameArctic Tern
Scientific NameSterna paradisaea
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)76
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsAdult Arctic Terns have a distinctive black cap, white cheeks, and white underparts. Their upperparts are pale grey, contrasting with a blood-red bill (lacking a dark tip in breeding plumage) and red legs. They possess long, pointed wings and a deeply forked white tail with grey outer webs on the streamers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a harsh, grating 'kree-ah' or 'keer-ee' call, often given in flight or when disturbed. They also produce a sharp, rapid 'kik-kik-kik' alarm call.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, tundra, islands, open ocean, freshwater lakes, rivers
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Undertakes the longest migration of any bird, flying from its Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctic waters for the non-breeding season, covering up to 70,000 km annually.
Identifying FeaturesBlack cap, Blood-red bill (no black tip in breeding adults), Red legs, Pale grey upperparts, white underparts, Deeply forked tail streamers, Buoyant, graceful flight, Longest migratory journey of any bird
Description
The Arctic Tern is a medium-sized seabird renowned for its epic annual migration, covering the longest distance of any bird. It has a sleek, graceful appearance with a black cap, red bill, and deeply forked tail, often seen hovering or diving for fish.
