Renowned for its graceful aerial acrobatics and distinctive forked tail, it is a seabird that boasts an extensive range encompassing diverse coastal and marine habitats. Affectionately referred to as the ‘sea-swallow’ due to its agile flight and elegant appearance, the common tern is a master of the skies, often observed hovering effortlessly above the water before plunging into the depths with remarkable precision to catch its prey.
Nesting in large, noisy colonies, common terns exhibit a fascinating blend of elegance and pugnacity, particularly when defending their territories against intruders. Raucous swoops and aggressive displays are common responses to perceived threats, highlighting the fiercely protective nature of these seabirds when safeguarding their nesting sites and offspring.
As migratory birds, common terns undertake remarkable journeys between their breeding and wintering grounds, navigating vast distances with remarkable precision and endurance. Beginning their southward migration between late August and October, common terns embark on an epic journey to warmer climates, where they spend the winter months before returning to their nesting grounds in March/April. During migration, their flight is characterized by a slower, more buoyant rhythm compared to gulls, with distinctive wing beats that reflect their unique flying style.
Throughout their migratory journey and breeding season, common terns play a vital ecological role as both predators and prey in marine ecosystems. Their diet primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey, which they capture using their sharp beaks and agile hunting techniques. By regulating prey populations and contributing to nutrient cycling in coastal habitats, common terns help maintain the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
In addition to their ecological significance, common terns also serve as important indicators of environmental health and habitat quality. Monitoring the population trends and distribution of common terns provides valuable insights into the overall health of coastal and marine ecosystems, helping conservationists and scientists identify and address emerging threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire Sint Eustatius And Saba
Bosnia And Herz.
Brazil
British Virgin Is.
Brunei
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Cocos Is. (Keeling)
Colombia
Comoros
Congo-Brazzaville
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czechia
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Islands
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Nort. Mariana Is.
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Réunion
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre
Saint Vincent
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia
Spain
Sri Lanka
St. Kitts & Nevis
Sudan
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad & Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks & Caicos
UAE
US Virgin Islands
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
ZambiaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic / Monomorphic (size)
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
