Arctic Tern

Although they spend most of the year apart, Arctic Tern couples are united for life and each Spring return to the same place to mate and nest.

The species nests in large colonies on sandy or pebbly beaches and among rocks close to the sea. The male performs an elaborate nuptial display, particularly when looking for a mate for the first time. Once a partner has been selected, the male flies very high in the sky and the female follows him. The couple glide together, then swoop in zigzags and continue their display on the ground. The male offers the female fish and circles her with his tail spread and wings drooping, often with a fish in his beak. The couple build their nest on the ground, scraping a hollow which both male and female line with a few plants. The female normally lays two buff or cream eggs spotted with brown and black. Males and females incubate the eggs for 20 to 24 days. Covered in down feathers, the chicks are quick to become active but remain close to the nest. The Arctic Tern fiercely defends its nest and young, delivering hard strikes to any intruder who comes close. The chicks take flight between 21 and 24 days after hatching but are fed by their parents for several more weeks, before learning to hunt for themselves. Young Arctic Terns migrate in their first year, but don't breed until 3 or 4 years old.