Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)

Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) is a species of seabird belonging to the family Sternidae. The species is particularly known for its extremely long-distance migrations. It attracts attention through its migration route, which moves between the polar regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres throughout the year. Its breeding grounds are primarily located in the polar and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, while during the nonbreeding season it exhibits a wide distribution extending as far south as the waters surrounding Antarctica. For this reason, the Arctic Tern is regarded as one of the birds that undertake the longest migratory journeys on Earth. In Türkiye, it has been observed as a casual visitor.

Arctic Tern belongs to the order Charadriiformes, which includes gulls and terns. Its scientific name, Sterna paradisaea, was first described in the 18th century. Although the species shares similarities with other terns in terms of morphology and behavior, it is distinguished by its migration distance, breeding distribution, and certain physical traits.

The Arctic Tern is a medium-sized seabird. Its slender body, long pointed wings, and distinctly forked tail are key distinguishing features.

Adults have light gray upperparts and white underparts. The crown of the head is black. The bill is typically bright red, slender and pointed. The legs are short and reddish. The wings are long and narrow, an adaptation that provides aerodynamic advantages for prolonged flight and migration.

Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage with dark markings on the wings. The flight of the species is characterized by light and agile movements.

The Arctic Tern has a wide geographic distribution. Breeding sites are primarily located in the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. In these regions, coastal islands, tundra areas, and open coastal zones serve as breeding habitats.

Outside the breeding season, the species spends most of its time over open oceans. During migration, it travels vast distances across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, reaching the cold seas surrounding Antarctica during the nonbreeding season. This migratory pattern allows the bird to experience nearly continuous daylight throughout the year.

The Arctic Tern holds the record for the longest migration of any animal species. Individuals depart from their breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere during autumn and fly southward to reach the waters around Antarctica. In spring, they return northward to their breeding sites.

This migratory route is shaped by ocean currents and persistent wind systems. The bird’s long and narrow wing structure has evolved to optimize endurance flight and enhance energy efficiency.

The Arctic Tern primarily feeds on small fish and marine invertebrates. Its foraging behavior occurs mostly near the ocean surface.

While foraging, it typically flies above the water surface and dives to capture prey once detected. It may also occasionally pick food from the water surface. Its diet includes small fish, crustaceans, and other small marine organisms.

The species generally breeds in colonies. Nesting sites are typically open areas on coastal islands or tundra regions. Nests are simple depressions dug into the ground and may be lined with small stones or plant material.

Females usually lay one or two eggs. Both males and females participate in incubation. After hatching, chicks are mobile within a short time and are fed by their parents.