ARCTIC TERN Meaning and
Definition
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The Arctic tern, scientifically known as Sterna paradisaea, is a species of seabird belonging to the family Laridae. This migratory bird is widely recognized for its remarkable annual migration journey, which spans from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back. The Arctic tern has adapted to life in cold regions, predominantly nesting in the Arctic and subarctic regions during the summer breeding season.
Measuring approximately 12-15 inches in length, the Arctic tern possesses a slender body with a forked tail. It displays a distinctive appearance with its snowy white plumage, pearl-gray upperparts, and deep red bill. The species is also identified by its long wingspan, reaching up to 28-32 inches. Arctic terns showcase excellent flying skills as they soar gracefully through the air, often diving down to catch fish or insects for nourishment.
The most distinguishing feature of the Arctic tern is its extraordinary migratory pattern. Each year, it embarks on a round-trip journey from breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere, such as Alaska or Greenland, to the southern hemisphere, primarily reaching as far as Antarctica. This marathon voyage allows the Arctic tern to exploit the availability of food and take advantage of longer daylight periods on both ends of the planet. With a total distance spanning over 44,000 miles, the Arctic tern holds the title for the longest migratory route of any bird species.
The Arctic tern's migratory behavior has captivated researchers and bird enthusiasts alike, as their ability to navigate across vast distances with remarkable precision remains a subject of ongoing scientific research. Their resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenging weather conditions and extensive traveling distances make the Arctic tern a true marvel of nature.
Common Misspellings for ARCTIC TERN
- zrctic tern
- srctic tern
- wrctic tern
- qrctic tern
- aectic tern
- adctic tern
- afctic tern
- atctic tern
- a5ctic tern
- a4ctic tern
- arxtic tern
- arvtic tern
- arftic tern
- ardtic tern
- arcric tern
- arcfic tern
- arcgic tern
- arcyic tern
- arc6ic tern
- arc5ic tern
Etymology of ARCTIC TERN
The word "arctic" comes from the Latin word "Arcticus", which means "of the North" or "from the Arctic". This Latin term originated from the Greek word "Arktikos", which is derived from "Arktos", meaning "bear" or "Great Bear" – a reference to the constellation Ursa Major, which is visible in the northern sky. The term "tern" comes from the Middle English word "terne", ultimately originating from the Old Norse word "therna", which means "tern" or "sea swallow". Terns are a type of seabird, and the Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) is named so because it is known to inhabit the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere during the breeding season.
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