Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea). Taken on Inner Farne, Northumberland on June 4th 2008.
Taken on Inner Farne, Northumberland on June 4th 2008.
(© David Hastings) (1/400th sec at f10. Click image for larger version) 
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea). Taken on Inner Farne, Northumberland on June 4th 2008.
Taken on Inner Farne, Northumberland on June 4th 2008.
(© David Hastings) (1/250th sec at f11. Click image for larger version) 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
| 19-May-2026 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (2) |
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| 16-Sep-2025 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (1) |
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| 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+) |
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| 24-Sep-2018 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (2juv) |
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| 01-May-2017 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | (6) |
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| 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 | |
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| 07-Oct-2006 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | |
| 01-May-2006 | : | Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon | |
