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Arctic tern

Sterna paradisaea
Arctic terns inhabit deep sea areas singly or in small flocks, only usually venturing inland when exhausted or injured.

Arctic tern

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.

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