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.
Key ID Features
Very similar to Common Tern but more elegant with long outer tail streamers and very pointed, tapering wing tips.
Sharing red legs and a red bill with the Common Tern but lacking the black bill tip which helps with identification.
Summer adults are mostly pale grey with a black nape and cap falling below the eye.
In winter the forehead becomes whiter and the bill blacker.
In flight thin dark edges are visible on transluscent outer wings.
Juveniles have similar facial appearance to winter adult but back has dark 'V's and crescent markings.
Overview
Scientific name: Sterna paradisaea
Family: Terns (Sternidae)
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.
Seen in UK:
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
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here
Location: Northumberland
Photographer: Tim Tapley
