ExploreBirds

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

The Sandwich Tern is a beautiful bird with a long, pointed beak and striking black cap on its head. They love to fish and can often be seen diving into the water to catch their meals.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Sandwich Tern is a medium-sized seabird with a slender body and elegant flight. It has a black cap, white underparts, grey upperparts, and a distinctive long black bill tipped with yellow. Its pointed wings and forked tail give it a sleek appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusThalasseus
Sandwich Tern
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Sandwich Tern

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A single Sandwich Tern can live for over 30 years, flying countless miles!

Some Sandwich Terns travel over 6,000 miles to find warmer winter homes!

They often choose to nest on sandy beaches, sometimes even tiny, isolated islands!

They perform amazing aerial courtship dances high in the sky to find a mate!

Special abilities

Ability

Expert Plunge-Diver

Sandwich Terns can dive headfirst into water because of their streamlined bodies, helping them snatch fish.

Ability

Long-Distance Navigator

Sandwich Terns have incredible stamina and navigational skills that help them migrate thousands of kilometers.

Ability

Precision Bill

Sandwich Terns have a long, pointed bill with a sharp tip that helps them grasp slippery fish with precision.

Measurements & details

Length
37-43 cm
Wingspan
85-97 cm
Weight
0.18-0.3 kg
Lifespan
12-25 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1-3
Incubation
21-29 days
Migration Distance
6000 km

Diet & Feeding

These agile hunters primarily eat small fish by diving into the water!

Primary Foods

  • sardines
  • herring
  • sprat
  • anchovies
  • sand eels

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

preys on eggs and chicks in nesting colonies.

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

occasionally preys on adult terns during migration.

hunts

Greater Sand Eel

Ammodytes marinus

dives to catch these small fish, a primary food source.

hunts

European Sprat

Sprattus sprattus

a common small fish species targeted for hunting.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch Sandwich Terns from a distance so they feel safe and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Sandwich Tern?

37-43 cm

What is Sandwich Tern's wingspan?

85-97 cm

How much does Sandwich Tern weigh?

0.18-0.3 kg

How long does Sandwich Tern live?

12-25 years

How fast can Sandwich Tern move?

60 km/h

What does Sandwich Tern eat?

These agile hunters primarily eat small fish by diving into the water!

Where is Sandwich Tern usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Sandwich Tern hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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