Appearing white with a black cap, it is largely coastal although it can be seen inland on migration. It depends on a healthy marine environment and some colonies have been affected by fish shortages. Arctic terns are the ultimate long distance migrants – summer visitors to the UK and winter visitors to the Antarctic.
With its long tail streamers and general shape the Arctic tern deserves the local name of ‘sea swallow’.
Discover more about the Arctic Tern
When to see
A summer visitor, nesting on islands around the north of England and Scotland. Can be seen around most of our coasts and on large lakes and reservoirs during migration.
Where to see
Shetland, Orkney and coasts around Scotland.
Did you know?
Arctic terns are noisy in their colonies and, like most terns, will attack intruders threatening their nests, often ‘dive-bombing’ them with their sharp bills at the ready. Famed for their long migrations, they return to this country in April to breed and leave again in September.
When to see
A summer visitor, nesting on islands around the north of England and Scotland. Can be seen around most of our coasts and on large lakes and reservoirs during migration.
Where to see
Shetland, Orkney and coasts around Scotland.
Did you know?
Arctic terns are noisy in their colonies and, like most terns, will attack intruders threatening their nests, often ‘dive-bombing’ them with their sharp bills at the ready. Famed for their long migrations, they return to this country in April to breed and leave again in September.
When to see
A summer visitor, nesting on islands around the north of England and Scotland. Can be seen around most of our coasts and on large lakes and reservoirs during migration.
Where to see
Shetland, Orkney and coasts around Scotland.
Did you know?
Arctic terns are noisy in their colonies and, like most terns, will attack intruders threatening their nests, often ‘dive-bombing’ them with their sharp bills at the ready. Famed for their long migrations, they return to this country in April to breed and leave again in September.
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Registered Company No: 303299 | Registered address: Wild Scotland, Suite 212, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA