Artic Tern
Artic terns are common on the coasts of Ireland where undisturbed breeding grounds can be found. They have the longest migrations of any bird. Recent studies have shown average annual round trip lengths of about 70,900 kms. The average Arctic tern lives up to 30 years, and travels some 2.4 million km (1.5 million mi) during its lifetime. Arctic terns are medium-sized birds. They have a length of 33 to 39 cm (13 to 15 in) and a wingspan of 76 to 85 cm (26 to 30 in). They are mainly grey and white plumage, with a red beak. They weigh 86 to 127 g (3.0 to 4.5 oz.). It nests once every one to three years (depending on its mating cycle); once it has finished nesting it starts its southern migration. It is one of the most aggressive terns, fiercely defensive of its nest and young. It will attack humans and large predators, usually striking the top or back of the head. Although it is too small to cause serious injury to an animal of a human s size, it is still capable of drawing blood. They eat mainly fish and small marine invertebrates.