arctic tern

1. Bird Name: Arctic Tern
Scientific (Latin) Name: Sterna paradisaea

2. Appearance: The Arctic Tern is a picture of grace with its elegant white body, black cap, and sharp, orange-red beak. Its elongated tail feathers, which can grow to as long as the bird itself, lend it a distinctive silhouette in flight. The color of the legs and feet can vary from bright red to dark brown. It’s worth noting that there’s no significant difference in physical appearance between the male and female species. During non-breeding months, the tern’s coloring undergoes changes with its cap turning white with a dark patch through the eye, and its beak and feet darkens into a duller hue.

3. Size: These birds average about 33-39 cm (13-15 inches) in length. With regards to the wingspan, an average Arctic Tern’s measures 76-85 cm (30-33.5 inches). They typically weighs between 85 and 125g (3 to 4.5 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution: As the name implies, the Arctic Tern can be found in the Arctic regions during breeding season. They prefer areas of tundra by the sea and are known to breed in Europe, Asia, and North America. However, they are best known for their extensive migratory pattern, traveling to the Antarctic coasts during the winter months, effectively experiencing summer year-round.

5. Interesting Facts: Arctic Terns are record holders when it comes to migration; they travel an estimated 25,000 miles each way between their Arctic breeding grounds and their winter home in the Antarctic. Another amazing fact is that they are monogamous animals, mates for life. These delicate birds are also fiercely protective of their nests and have been known to dive bomb any perceived threats, including humans.

6. Diet: Their diet primarily consists of fish and invertebrates. They are agile fliers, often seen catching prey with an impressive display of aerial acrobatics.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Arctic Terns are accomplished fliers, capable of hovering and backward flight. Their flights often involve a mixture of flaps and glides. Their sound is a distinctive sharp, strident, staccato call, often described as a ‘kittiwake-like’ kleep.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, Arctic Terns are currently listed as ‘Least Concern’, although their population appears to be decreasing. Threats include habitat loss and human disturbances at breeding sites.

9. Lifespan: Arctic Terns have an average life expectancy of 20 to 30 years. The oldest recorded Arctic Tern lived to the impressive age of 34 years.

10. Additional Notes: In the Faroe Islands, the bird is known locally as ‘kría’ and their arrival there is considered to herald the beginning of summer. Arctic Terns play an important role in their ecosystem as they eat and help control the population of certain fish and invertebrates. Also, their extensive migratory patterns serve as a significant body of research on migration and longevity in birds. Highly wary of humans, they are known to attack if anyone dares to come too close to their nests.