Sterna Paradisaea
Arctic Tern
Open sea, coastal areas, and islands
The Arctic Tern, sterna paradisaea, is a remarkable bird known for its extraordinary migratory journey, the longest of any animal in the world, covering distances of up to 90,000 kilometers annually from its breeding grounds in the Arctic to its wintering grounds in the Antarctic and back. This slender bird is characterized by its small body, measuring around 33 to 39 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 65 to 75 centimeters. Its appearance is distinguished by a white plumage, a black cap, a long, pointed red bill, and short red legs. The underparts are a softer white, and the wings are pale grey. During flight, the Arctic Tern's graceful, buoyant flight pattern and sharp, forked tail make it easily recognizable.
| Population: | Estimated in the millions, but hard to estimate due to wide distribution and remote nesting |
| Generation Length: | 4 years |
| Average Weight: | 100-120 g |
| Average Length: | 33-39 cm |
| Lifespan: | Up to 30 years |
| Diet: | Mainly fish and small marine invertebrates |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern (LC) |
Arctic Terns breed in colonies on sandy or rocky coastlines and islands across the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They are highly social birds during the breeding season, aggressively defending their nests from predators and intruders with a fearless tenacity. Their life at sea outside of the breeding season is less understood, but it is known that they spend months on the wing, feeding and resting over the oceans. These terns are superbly adapted to a life of continuous flight, with their light body and long wings enabling them to exploit wind currents and thermals to save energy.
The diet of the Arctic Tern consists mainly of fish and small marine invertebrates. They are skilled hunters, often seen hovering over the water before plunging in to catch their prey with precision. This diet is rich in the nutrients necessary for their long migratory flights and breeding. The ability to feed in both Arctic and Antarctic regions ensures a constant food supply throughout their annual cycle.
Mating and reproduction are significant phases in the life of an Arctic Tern. The breeding season begins soon after they return to their Arctic breeding grounds in late spring. Courtship involves aerial displays and the male presenting fish to the female. They nest in open ground, where the female lays one to three eggs. Both parents share the duties of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The young terns are ready to fly within three to four weeks but may depend on their parents for food for up to four months.
The population of the Arctic Tern is considered to be of least concern by conservation standards, but it faces threats from climate change and habitat loss. Changes in sea temperatures affect the abundance of their prey, while human activities can disturb their breeding sites. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting breeding and feeding areas to ensure that these incredible birds can continue their epic journeys across the globe. Monitoring and research into their migration patterns are also vital for understanding the impacts of environmental changes on their populations.
Classifications
The Key Attributes
Features
- Movement:
Flight, capable of hovering
- Territorial Behavior:
Defends nesting territory aggressively
- Speed:
Capable of reaching speeds of 80 km/h during flight
- Diet:
Piscivore, primarily feeding on fish and small marine invertebrates
- Physical Features:
- Small size
- Long, pointed wings
- Short, red legs
- Black cap
- Red bill
- Primary Senses:
- Sight
Understanding Habitat and Range
Geography
- Habitat:
Open sea, coastal areas, and islands
- Migration Patterns:
Famous for its long-distance migration, traveling from Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic coast and back each year
- Geographical Range:
Circumpolar in Arctic and subarctic regions during breeding season; migrates to Antarctic waters in winter
- Climate Preferences:
Breeds in Arctic summer conditions; winters in Antarctic summer
Navigating the Wilderness
In the wild
- Predators:
Large birds of prey, foxes, and rats may prey on eggs and young
- Prey:
Small fish, crustaceans
- Feeding Behavior:
Catches fish by diving and skimming the water surface
- Diet:
Mainly fish and small marine invertebrates
- Defensive Mechanisms:
- Agility in flight
- Nesting in colonies for collective defense
- Preferred Food Sources:
- Surface or near-surface marine organisms
Insights Into Reproduction
Mating
- Mating System:
Monogamous, often with lifelong pair bonds
- Number of Offspring:
1-3 eggs
- Incubation Period:
22-27 days
- Parental Involvement:
- Both parents share in incubation and feeding of chicks
Youngsters Section
Arctic Tern
Fun Fact
Arctic Terns are famous for their incredible migratory journey. They travel from the Arctic to Antarctica.
This round-trip is about 44,000 miles annually, making it the longest migration of any animal. They experience two summers each year, maximizing daylight exposure. Their lifespan can reach 30 years, allowing them to fly over 1.5 million miles in a lifetime.
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