Arctic Tern

🔍 Overview

Delicate and graceful, the Arctic Tern is a long-distance migrant famous for its epic pole-to-pole journey. Every year, Arctic Terns migrate from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle—a round-trip journey of about 30,000 kilometers. It is known as the ‘sea swallow’ because of its long tail streamers. In Sussex, it’s mainly seen during spring and autumn passage, often in small numbers among flocks of Common Terns.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium (33–36 cm)
Plumage: Pale grey and white
Distinctive Marks: Black cap, narrow grey wings with translucent outer primaries
Bill: Red, straight
Tail: Very long, deeply forked
Flight: Buoyant and agile, with graceful glides

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Best viewed from coastal watchpoints like Brighton Marina, Shoreham Harbour and Worthing Beaches, typically over open water during passage in May–June and August–September.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Sharp, high-pitched “kee-ik” or “chirrip” calls. Often seen diving into the sea for fish or flying in tight flocks.

🍴 Diet

Feeds mainly on small fish and marine invertebrates, caught with plunge-dives.

📸 Birding Tip

Look for them during strong onshore winds in spring and autumn. Compare carefully with Common and Sandwich Terns for ID.