Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaea
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<birdfyi-bird slug="arctic-tern"></birdfyi-bird>Migrating from Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back, the Arctic Tern experiences two summers each year and ranges across every ocean. Pale grey above and white below with a black cap, blood-red bill, and short red legs, it has deeply forked tail streamers that trail in flight. It catches small fish and crustaceans by plunge-diving, hovering briefly before dropping. Breeding in colonies on coastal and tundra ground, it lays two to three eggs in a simple scrape, incubated for 22 to 27 days, with young fledging at 21 to 24 days. Fiercely defensive at the nest, it gives sharp, grating alarm calls to drive off intruders. The species is classified as Least Concern.
À propos
The Arctic tern holds the record for the longest known migration of any animal, traveling roughly 70,000 km annually from Arctic to Antarctic and back. Over its 30-year lifespan, it may fly the equivalent of three round trips to the Moon. This remarkable bird experiences more daylight than any other creature on Earth.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 34,0 cm | 13.4 in |
| Envergure | 80,0 cm | 31.5 in |
| Poids | 110,0 g | 3.88 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Pale grey upperparts, white underparts with a black cap. Blood-red bill and short red legs. Deeply forked tail streamers. Winter adults lose the full black cap.
Bec
Slender, pointed, bright red bill
Habitat & Range
Breeds on coastal and tundra habitats. Spends most of its life at sea over the open ocean. Nests in colonies on beaches and rocky shores.
Répartition géographique
Breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. Migrates to the Antarctic, experiencing two summers per year. Found on every ocean.
Diet & Feeding
Small fish and crustaceans caught by plunge-diving from the air. Hovers briefly before diving.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 22-27 days. Fledging: 21-24 days.
Taille de la couvée
2-3
Son
Chant
A sharp, grating 'kree-yah' alarm call. Also gives 'kik-kik-kik' near the nest. Highly aggressive vocally during the Arctic breeding season. Calls are harsh and insistent.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls) |
| Famille | Laridae (Gulls & Terns) |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Espèces | Sterna paradisaea |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Küstenseeschwalbe |
| Spanish | Charrán Ártico |
Distribution
Arctic Tern has been recorded in 7 countries.
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External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the Arctic Tern eat?
Where does the Arctic Tern live?
Is the Arctic Tern endangered?
How does the Arctic Tern nest?
What does the Arctic Tern sound like?
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What order and family does the Arctic Tern belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Laridae family