Arctic Tern
ExploreBirds
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
Category
BirdsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Global Voyager
Arctic Terns can fly over 70,000 km each year, traversing from pole to pole, which helps them experience two summers annually.
Ability
Plunge Diver
Arctic Terns can dive rapidly into the water to snatch fish, using their sharp eyesight and streamlined bodies to hunt effectively.
Ability
Fierce Protector
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Also known as
Sterna
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Arctic Tern?
33-39 cm
What is Arctic Tern's wingspan?
76-85 cm
How much does Arctic Tern weigh?
0.086-0.125 kg
How long does Arctic Tern live?
15-30 years
How fast can Arctic Tern move?
60 km/h
What does Arctic Tern eat?
These graceful birds mainly eat small fish and tiny sea creatures they catch from the ocean.
Where is Arctic Tern usually found?
Coastal areas and open oceans
How does Arctic Tern hunt?
Pursuit
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