The RSPB: Arctic tern

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Arctic tern

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Latin name

Sterna paradisaea

Family

Terns (Sternidae)

Overview

With its long tail streamers and general shape the Arctic tern deserves the local name of 'sea swallow'. Appearing white with a black cap, it is largely coastal although it can be seen inland on migration. It depends on a healthy marine environment and some colonies have been affected by fish shortages. Arctic terns are the ultimate long distance migrants - summer visitors to the UK and winter visitors to the Antarctic.

Where to see them

Breeding terns can best be seen on island such as the Farne Islands in Northumberland or on the Northern Isles where the greatest breeding densities occur. Look out for them on spring pasage at inland reservoirs and around the coast in autumn as they head south.

When to see them

European birds start to arrive back from their Antarctic winter break in May, with northernmost birds getting back in June. Many birds occur inland during their migration north, passing through central England in late April/early May. Migration south commences after breeding in late July and August.

What they eat

Mainly fish

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
500-900,000 pairs	53,388 pairs	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK: Northern England, Scotland, north Wales, Isle of Man and Ireland.
In Europe: Scandinavia, Russia, Iceland and other Arctic islands, and UK, Ireland, Netherlands and germany
Worldwide: Found from the Arctic to the Antarctic

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)