Arctic Terns

 Identify It >   Bird Section >   Arctic Terns >

Scientific name:  Sterna paradisaea

Size:  Approx 38cm.  Wingspan up to 77cm

Distribution:  May be seen throughout the UK at migration times. Main breeding sites are Anglesey, Norfolk, Northumberland, around the coast of Ireland, the coast of Scotland and the Scottish islands.

Months seen:  April to September.  In autumn they fly south to the Antarctic

Life Span: Up to 31 years (source BTO)

Habitat:  Reservoirs and Coastal areas

Food:  Mostly fish and crustaceans

Special features:  Arctic Terns are pale grey coloured with a black cap on the head.  Below the cap there is a narrow band of white plumage.  The tail and rump is also white, and the tail streamers have a grey edge.  The trailing edges of the wings are dark grey.  The beak and legs are a deep red colour.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Bird Section
• What's Out Now?