ExploreBird

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

The Arctic Tern is a small, graceful bird that migrates long distances every year. It's known for its beautiful white and gray feathers!

Habitat: Coastal areas and open oceans

Appearance

The Arctic Tern has a striking grey back, white underparts, and a distinct black cap atop its head. It features a bright red bill and short, red legs, appearing streamlined with long, pointed wings that aid its incredible flight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusSterna

Arctic Tern

Interesting facts

Arctic Terns see more daylight than any other animal on Earth, thanks to their pole-to-pole migration!

Arctic Terns sometimes nest very close to fierce predators like snowy owls, using them for protection!

Their bright red bill gets even more vibrant during breeding season, signaling their health and readiness.

They can drink saltwater, using special glands in their heads to filter out the excess salt.

Special abilities

Arctic Terns can fly over 70,000 km each year, traversing from pole to pole, which helps them experience two summers annually.

Arctic Terns can dive rapidly into the water to snatch fish, using their sharp eyesight and streamlined bodies to hunt effectively.

Arctic Terns can fiercely defend their nests by dive-bombing intruders, using sharp bills to deter predators.

Measurements & details

Length: 33-39 cm
Wingspan: 76-85 cm
Weight: 0.086-0.125 kg
Lifespan: 15-30 years
Top Speed: 60 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-3
Incubation: 20-25 days
Migration Distance: 71000 km

Diet & Feeding

These graceful birds mainly eat small fish and tiny sea creatures they catch from the ocean.

Primary Foods

Small fish
Capelin
Sand eels
Crustaceans
Marine invertebrates

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

Hunts eggs and chicks in nesting colonies.

eaten by

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

Preys on eggs and young terns in coastal colonies.

hunts

Capelin

Mallotus villosus

Major food source, caught by plunge-diving into water.

hunts

Sandeel

Ammodytes marinus

Often targeted prey fish in shallow coastal waters.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.