Arctic Tern

Overview

The Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) is a medium-sized seabird renowned for performing the longest annual migration of any animal on Earth. These birds travel between their high-latitude northern breeding grounds and the Antarctic coast, effectively experiencing two summers each year and more daylight than any other creature.

Distribution & habitat

This species has a circumpolar breeding distribution, nesting across the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They typically favor coastal islands, rocky or sandy beaches, and open tundra. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to the Southern Hemisphere, where they are found in subantarctic and Antarctic waters.

Appearance

Adults are characterized by a slender body, light gray upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive black cap. They possess long, narrow wings and a deeply forked tail, which contribute to their agile flight. During the breeding season, their slender, pointed bills and short legs are a vibrant red. Juveniles generally appear similar to adults but with duller plumage and occasional dark markings on the wings.

Biology & behavior

Arctic Terns are long-lived birds, often reaching 15 to 30 years of age. They are highly social during the breeding season, nesting in colonies on the ground. Their flight is light and graceful, and they are known for their vocal, shrill calls. Because they nest on the ground, they are vulnerable to predators such as foxes and bears.

Feeding

These birds are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume small fish and large zooplankton, such as krill. They hunt by hovering in the air—much like a hawk—before performing a plunge-dive to capture prey near the water's surface.