Because of their migratory pattern, Arctic terns see two summers every year and get more daylight than any other animal in the world. Terns are long-lived birds and are relatively free from natural predators and parasites ; most species are declining in numbers due directly or indirectly to human activities, including habitat loss, pollution, disturbance, and predation by introduced mammals . The Arctic tern also has the longest migration of any known animal. In the menu to the left you will find background information on the Arctic tern, the migration study along with maps and photos. It travels from its Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctica where it enjoys the Antarctic summer, covering around 25,000 miles. Appearing white with a black cap, it is largely coastal although it can be seen inland on migration. Arctic Tern Facts and Adaptations Sterna paradisaea Making a round trip of up to 90 000km a year while weighing about the same as a quarter pound burger and seeing more continuous daylight than any other animal on earth in the north and south polar summers makes this elegant extreme flier one of the most remarkable of all birds. In southern Alaska, Aleutian Terns (Onychoprion aleuticus) nest with Arctic Terns in some coastal colonies. This is nearly twice the distance generally cited for the annual Arctic tern migration. The Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) is a medium-sized species of seabird. Improve your knowledge on arctic tern birds and learn more with DK Find Out. A small, slender gray-and-white bird with angular wings, the Arctic Tern is well known for its long yearly migration. It breeds in the southerly reaches of the Arctic and winters in the Antarctic, making its migration a round-trip of 60,000 to 82,000 km (roughly 37,000 to 51,000 miles). Impressive distances The average roundtrip distance from Greenland/Iceland to the Weddell Sea (Antarctica) and back again, was of 70,900 km, with a range of 59,500 to 81,600 km. The weight is 86–127 g (3.0–4.5 oz). Seven attractive Arctic tern facts. This study on Arctic tern migration revealed new information on the longest migration ever recorded in any animal. In the menu to the left you will find background information on the Arctic tern, the migration study along with maps and photos. Eggs, chicks, and adult Arctic terns nesting on the ground are vulnerable to foxes, cats, and other seabirds, such as skuas. Arctic tern, (Sterna paradisaea), tern species that makes the longest annual migration of any bird. A small, slender gray-and-white bird with angular wings, the Arctic Tern is well known for its long yearly migration. They can even scream with … Breeding birds sport a full black cap, short red legs, and a red bill. It travels from its Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctica where it enjoys the Antarctic summer, covering around 25,000 miles. Many terns are long-distance migrants, and the Arctic tern may see more daylight in a year than any other animal. Breeding birds sport a full black cap, short red legs, and a red bill. With its long tail streamers and general shape the Arctic tern deserves the local name of 'sea swallow'. In the nonbreeding season, the Arctic Tern is one of just 4 or 5 bird species commonly encountered in the Antarctic pack ice, but it is rarely seen by most visitors to the continent. A small, slender gray-and-white bird with angular wings, the Arctic Tern is well known for its long yearly migration. (6) The waters surrounding Pigeon Island offer great fishing for sea birds including gulls, terns and the brown booby. It depends on a healthy marine environment and some colonies have been affected by fish shortages. It breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Do Arctic terns have any natural predators? (5) The largest of the terns , the Caspian Tern is one of the most widespread tern species in the world, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. The beak is dark red, as are the short legs and webbed feet. Tern courtship is performed through a "fish flight" by the male: after much aerial chasing and screaming, the male offers a small fish to the female. It breeds in the southerly reaches of the Arctic and winters in the Antarctic, making its migration a round-trip of 60,000 to 82,000 km (roughly 37,000 to 51,000 miles). It travels from its Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctica where it enjoys the Antarctic summer, covering around 25,000 miles. The main goal is to present the research results of the first ever scientific study to use tracking devices to follow a full annual cycle of Arctic tern migration. It migrates 70,900 kilometres (44,100 mi) each year. Information about arctic terns from the DK Find Out website for kids. Like most terns, the Arctic Tern has … The wingspan is 76–85 cm. Breeding birds sport a full black cap, short red legs, and a red bill. Arctic tern, (Sterna paradisaea), tern species that makes the longest annual migration of any bird.