COMMON TERN
Sterna hirundo
DESCRIPTION
The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) is a medium-sized seabird characterized by its slender body, long wings, and pointed bill. It has a distinctive black cap on its head, a white body, and gray wings, with a black line extending from the eye to the bill. Known for its graceful flight and agile fishing techniques, the Common Tern is often seen diving into the water to catch fish, showcasing its adept hunting skills.
FUN FACTS
- Common Terns are known for their impressive migratory journeys, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds
- They can fly at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest seabirds
- | These birds are highly social and often engage in cooperative breeding, where non-breeding individuals help care for the young
- This behavior enhances the survival rate of the chicks and strengthens social bonds within the colony
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight100-200 g
Average Length28-38 cm
Diet TypePiscivore
Social Structuregroup — they often nest in colonies for protection and social interaction.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer (May-July)
- Habitat
- Common Terns are typically found in coastal areas, including sandy beaches, estuaries, and islands. They prefer habitats with access to open water for foraging and nesting sites that are safe from predators.
- Biomes
- Coastal, Marine
- Native Range
- The Common Tern breeds in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, migrating to coastal regions of South America and Africa during the winter.
- Continent
- North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa
- Countries
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Russia
- Diet
- The Common Tern primarily feeds on small fish, which it catches by diving into the water from the air. It may also consume invertebrates and occasionally small crustaceans.
- Diet Type
- Piscivore
- Favorite Food
- small fish
- Social Structure
- group — they often nest in colonies for protection and social interaction.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-100
- Territorial
- 1
LC
DD
LC
100-200 g
Weight
28-38 cm
Length
- Coloration
- white body with gray wings and a black cap on the head
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer (May-July)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Common Terns is generally stable, although some local declines have been noted due to habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 200,000-300,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, predation by introduced species, and climate change affecting their breeding sites. Human disturbance at nesting sites can also impact their populations.
- Predators
- Gulls, raptors, and mammals such as foxes and raccoons pose threats to Common Tern nests and chicks.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Common Terns will aggressively defend their nesting sites, using vocalizations and dive-bombing intruders to deter potential threats.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon