Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea). Taken on Inner Farne, Northumberland on June 4th 2008.
Taken on Inner Farne, Northumberland on June 4th 2008.
(1/400th sec at f10. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings) 
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea). Taken on Inner Farne, Northumberland on June 4th 2008.
Taken on Inner Farne, Northumberland on June 4th 2008.
(1/250th sec at f11. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings) Description
L: 33 - 39 cm; WS: 66 - 77 cm
Like the Common Tern, the Arctic Tern is also known as the 'sea swallow'. It differs from the Common Tern in having an all-red beak and longer tail streamers.
It is a largely coastal bird found mainly in the north and west of Britain, although it can be seen inland on migration.
It breeds on the coast, on islands in sea-bays, and on tundra near water.
Arctic Terns are the ultimate long distance migrants - summer visitors to the UK and winter visitors to the Antarctic.
This species has amber status on the UK list. Around 53000 pairs breed here.
Sightings
| 17-Apr-2024 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (2) |
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| 28-Apr-2021 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (56+) |
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| 23-May-2019 | : | Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire | (200+) |
| 07-May-2019 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | |
| 21-Apr-2019 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (30+) |
|
| 24-Sep-2018 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (2juv) |
|
| 01-May-2017 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (6) |
|
| 19-Aug-2016 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (1) |
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| 29-Apr-2012 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (2) |
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| 29-Jun-2008 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (1) |
| 07-Jun-2008 | : | Tophill Low, E. Yorks | |
| 06-Jun-2008 | : | High Newton, Northumberland | |
| 04-Jun-2008 | : | Farne Islands, Northumberland | |
| 05-May-2008 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | |
| 27-Apr-2008 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | |
|
| 07-Oct-2006 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | |
| 01-May-2006 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | |
