The Sandwich tern is a relatively large tern which breeds in colonies on sand and shingle beaches, islands and spits. Sandwich terns feed on fish such as sandeels, sprats and whiting, which they catch by diving into the water.
How to identify:
The Sandwich tern is whitish-grey above and white below with a large black cap (the forehead becomes white in winter) and a shaggy, black crest. It has short, black legs and a black bill with a yellow tip. It has a short tail with no 'streamers' (long feathers extending past the main tail).
Where to find it:
A summer visitor, nesting on sandy beaches and islands in coastal lagoons scattered all round our coasts.
How people can help:
Many of the important Sandwich tern colonies in the UK survive because they are on nature reserves specifically looked after for their wildlife value. Local Wildlife Trusts across the country are looking after coastal habitats for the benefit of birds like terns. Ensuring breeding birds are not disturbed and nature reserves are well-managed are just some of the ways we're helping. You can help too: volunteer for The Wildlife Trusts and you could be involved in everything from monitoring populations or raising awareness about nesting birds.
Statistics:
Length: 36-41cm Wingspan: 1m Weight: 250g Average Lifespan: 12 years
Conservation status:
Classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review.
Did you know?:
Named after Sandwich Bay in Kent, the Sandwich tern is one of three birds to be named after Kent: the others are Kentish plover and Dartford warbler.
