Arctic tern
Sterna paradisaea
Fun Fact: Arctic terns inhabit deep sea areas singly or in small flocks, only usually venturing inland when exhausted or injured.
Introduction: Arctic terns (Sterna paradisaea) inhabit deep sea areas singly or in small flocks, only usually venturing inland when exhausted or injured.
Distribution: Occurs anywhere along the Namibian coast. Concentrations are more likely around Walvis Bay.
Diet: Forages offshore (occasionally inshore) by hovering and shallow plunge-diving on or close to the surface for small fish and crustaceans.
Description: Paradisaea is Latin for 'of paradise', a reference to their 'delicate plumage colouration' and 'buoyant flight'.
Breeding: Non-breeding migrants with pairs bonding and courting taking place from late September to November.
Size: 35cm.
Weight: 110g.
Wingspan: 85cm.
.png?width=82&height=85&name=Navigate%20Namibia-03%20(1).png "Navigate Namibia")