Creature Feature – Arctic Terns
Did you know? Arctic terns have the longest migration of any animal in the world! They breed in the Arctic and sub-arctic, as well as some neighbouring regions during summer, then travel all the way to Antarctica for the winter. Each year, they cover an incredible distance of 44,000 to 59,000 miles. Over its lifetime, an Arctic tern may fly the equivalent of three round trips to the moon.
The Arctic tern is a medium-sized bird with long tail streamers and a deep red beak. Its upper feathers are silvery-grey, it has a black cap on its head, and it sports small red legs. While most often found in coastal regions, it can also be spotted inland during migration.
These birds will quite often catch fish in the swimming at the surface of the water but will also dive to catch prey further under the water.
Taxonomy
Scientific Name: Sterna paradisaea
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Arctic Tern Fact File
Size: 33–35 cm in length, with a wingspan of 75–85 cm
Distribution: Global, but mainly in Arctic and sub-Arctic coastal regions, as well as the Southern Ocean and Antarctic regions
Diet: Primarily fish, but also crustaceans and insects
Behaviour: Arctic terns catch food by taking small fish from the water’s surface or diving to depths of up to 20 inches
IUCN Status: Low concern
