The Arctic tern is a spectacular bird that can be found nesting among Maine’s very own coastal islands from spring to summer. These little birds only weigh between 3-5 ounces as adults, but with a wingspan over twice the length of their bodies, Arctic terns are truly remarkable flyers with one of the largest geographic ranges of any animal on the planet.
The Longest-Distance Migrants in the Animal Kingdom
As their name suggests, Arctic terns spend a great deal of their life cycle in the Arctic, as well as the Gulf of Maine. The other significant portion of their time is spent migrating to and from their winter home in the Antarctic. In fact, they are one of the longest-distance migrants in the animal kingdom, traveling from pole to pole, over 20,000 miles round trip each year!
In 2016, one Arctic Tern broke the record for the longest migration ever recorded at an astounding 59,650 miles over the course of its migration that year. This tiny bird flew the equivalent of two trips around the globe with another 10,000 miles to spare!
The Best Time to See Arctic Terns
The Arctic terns’ Antarctic wintering grounds and Arctic breeding grounds would be quite the trek to make, even for the most passionate birders. Instead, the best time to see these long-distance migrants in Maine is between May and July during nesting season. This is also a good time of year for general bird watching, as many other species of birds are migrating north or nesting during this time as well.
How to Tell Them Apart From Other Terns
Arctic terns are very similar in appearance to other species of terns, such as the Common tern and Roseate tern. During the nesting season Arctic terns have a solid red bill compared to roseate terns that have a black bill and common terns that have an orange bill with a black tip.
These striking birds also have longer tails and wings than other terns, allowing them to glide for long periods and giving them a more graceful appearance in the air.
Maine is Considered a Popular Breeding Ground
This is likely because of the abundant food sources available to them in the Gulf of Maine and the large number of uninhabited islands where they can build their nests without disturbance from predators or humans.
Arctic terns can be found nesting among the company of other terns and seabirds on Maine’s some of coastal islands from Mid-May to late July. To get out to the islands, you’ll need to book a spot on one of the many puffin or whale-watching cruises that depart from towns along the Maine coast.
Boat cruises are a great way to see Arctic terns and other coastal birds up close. These trips not only give you the chance to see A terns in their natural habitat but also offer the opportunity to see some of Maine’s other iconic wildlife.
Learn more about Maine’s coastal wildlife and seabirds at The Friends of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
