Breeding ecology and welfare of common terns in UK coastal and inland colonies.
Key Facts
Common terns produce harsh piercing calls and dive-bomb intruders near nests
Both parents provision chicks with small fish including sandeels and sprats
Colony sites require protection from ground predators and human disturbance
Colour-ringing enables lifetime welfare and survival monitoring of individual birds
UK common tern population is around 10,000 pairs spread across coastal and inland sites
Welfare Considerations
Common tern chick welfare depends on abundant fish prey and predator-free colony conditions, with active management delivering direct welfare benefits.
What You Can Do
Support RSPB and Wildlife Trust tern colony management
Respect buffer zones around coastal seabird colonies during breeding season
Record common tern colour ring combinations to contribute to monitoring data