Arctic tern

Sterna paradisaea

Three Artic terns, one with a fish in its beak — Arctic terns with fish (c) Chantal Macleod-Nolan RSPB

Key facts

Gaelic name: Steàrnag an earbaill
Length: 33-35cm | Wingspan: 75-85cm | Weight: 95-120g
When in Scotland: May – August
UK Conservation status: Red
Species on the Edge areas: East Coast; Outer Hebrides; Orkney

Species information

How to identify

Arctic terns are a delicate and elegant tern species with long tail streamers, earning it the nickname ‘sea swallow’. Arctic terns have white cheeks, smoky grey underparts and pale grey upperparts and a striking black crown. The short legs and bill are both deep red.

Lifecycle

Arctic Terns usually start breeding when they are 3 or 4 years old. They breed at high latitudes in the Arctic and then travel south in time for summer in the Antarctic. Their migration covers around 25,000 miles making it the longest migration of any bird. Potential lifespan can be up to three decades.

Distribution

Habitat and feeding

Arctic terns most frequently breed on the coast or on offshore islands, preferring areas of sand or shingle. Out of the breeding season it is a seabird, seldom crossing land and sometimes perching on floating objects including ice flows.

Feeds mainly on fish including sandeels, sprats, herring etc. Arctic terns can be seen fishing in shallow coastal waters. When fishing they appear hesitant as they hover above the sea before plunging into the water.

Conservation status

UK Conservation Status: Red

Threats

Food shortages – Overfishing of small fish is one cause, but long-tern climate change resulting in changes of fish stocks is also a hazard.
Disturbance – As once remote beaches are becoming more popular with walkers and dogs this can lead to increased disturbance.
Predation – Predation can be a problem at some sites, in particular non-native mink but also foxes, otters, and gulls.

What Species on the Edge is doing

All tern species have declined in Scotland and targeted action is needed to ensure Scotland’s coasts and islands continue to provide safe breeding zones for our visiting terns. Here at Species on the Edge, we are taking action for Arctic terns in three of our project areas: the East Coast; Orkney; and the Outer Hebrides. Activity in these areas includes:

Creating new breeding sites
Enhancing established sites through effective habitat management
Protecting tern colonies from disturbance using signage and fencing
Engaging with local communities to increase awareness of terns and the threats they face and inspire community-led conservation action

Our work for arctic terns

A panel from a tapestry of the east coast's most endangered species — Stitching for species on the East Coast

Species on the Edge has been delighted to work with the ‘Sutherland Stitchers’ to create a tapestry depicting eight species on the edge found on the east coast.

A model little tern in sand on a beach — Terning the Tide

Species on the Edge ‘Terning the Tide’ Project Manager, Robyn, tells us about the work being done across Scotland to secure a future for terns on our shores.

A painted model tern — Creating 3D-printed terns to signal safe breeding sites

Species on the Edge, the University of the Highlands and Islands Outer Hebrides and RSPB Scotland have been collaborating to produce 3D-printed terns to signal safe breeding sites to returning terns.

Resources

Arctic tern | RSPB

If you are interested in learning more about Arctic terns, or are interested in getting involved in their conservation, get in touch with your local Species on the Edge team.