Arctic Tern vs Sandwich Tern

In short

The Arctic Tern and Sandwich Tern can be distinguished by their bill color and tail length. The Arctic Tern has a shorter, all-red bill and a longer tail with deeply forked streamers, while the Sandwich Tern has a black bill with a yellow tip and a shorter tail. Both species have similar body shapes but differ in plumage and habitat preferences.

Identification tips

• Bill color: Arctic Tern has a red bill; Sandwich Tern has a black bill with a yellow tip.
• Tail length: Arctic Tern has a longer tail with streamers; Sandwich Tern has a shorter tail.
• Forehead color: Sandwich Tern has a white forehead during breeding season.
• Habitat: Look for Arctic Terns in northern breeding grounds and Sandwich Terns in coastal colonies.

Size

Both species are medium-sized terns, but the Sandwich Tern is slightly larger with a more robust build.

Plumage

The Arctic Tern has a clean white body with a light gray back and wings, and a black cap. The Sandwich Tern also has a black cap but features a pale gray body and wings with a distinctive white forehead during the breeding season.

Behaviour

Arctic Terns are known for their long migratory journeys, while Sandwich Terns are more localized and often found in mixed colonies with other tern species.

Habitat

Arctic Terns breed in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions and migrate to the Antarctic for winter. Sandwich Terns prefer coastal areas and are often seen in colonies with Royal and Roseate Terns.

Voice

Arctic Terns have a high-pitched, sharp 'kee-kee' call, while Sandwich Terns have a more raspy 'kirrick' call.