Key information
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.
What they eat:
Mainly fish but also crustaceans and insects.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 33-35cm
- Wingspan:
- 75-85cm
- Weight:
- 95-120g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 53,000 pairs
- Europe:
- 500-900,000 pairs
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Arctic tern (adult)
Arctic tern (juvenile)
