Gulls and terns · Shorebirds
Arctic Tern
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Sterna paradisaea
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Voice
Alarm
How to recognize it
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About 36 cm long; long, narrow wings
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In breeding plumage, black cap, grey back and white underparts
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Red bill in spring and summer
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Pale tail, deeply forked
About the species
In breeding plumage, the Arctic tern is pale grey and white, with a black cap and nape set off by white cheeks. Its grey back shades into paler underparts, and long, pale wings trail past a deeply forked, whitish tail. The bill and short legs are red in summer; in winter, the forehead grows whiter and both bill and legs darken.
Over the water, it dips to snatch fish near the surface and may chase insects in the air around its northern breeding grounds. Its call is nasal and rasping, and at the nest it will strike at intruders to protect eggs and chicks. The young begin exploring around the nest within a few days of hatching.
It nests in colonies on coasts and islands across Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, sometimes on tundra near water. Fish and small marine crustaceans make up most of its food, though it also takes insects around breeding grounds. After the northern summer, it migrates to Antarctic waters and returns north about six months later, usually staying far offshore outside the breeding season.
Where to find
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During the northern summer, along the sea coast, look for Arctic Terns dipping toward the water's surface for prey.
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On island beaches during the breeding season, watch from a distance for sudden swoops at intruders near nesting colonies.
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During the breeding season, on tundra shores of inland waters, watch for aerial chases after insects.
