A relatively large tern, the sandwich tern is easily recognised by its slender, pointed black bill with yellow tip, sleek white and grey plumage, and shaggy, black crest. Its graceful, streamlined body is built for agile flight over water. In flight, its long, narrow wings and forked tail give it an unmistakable silhouette against the sky.

Spring marks the return of sandwich terns to Hampshire, arriving from their wintering grounds in West Africa from April onwards. It breeds in large, noisy colonies on sandy or shingle beaches, often sharing space with other tern species like the common and little terns. 

Its breeding season is crucial, as the chicks are vulnerable to disturbance, predators, and the impacts of rising sea levels. It’s vital that visitors behave responsibly by keeping dogs on leads and steering clear of nesting areas. These simple actions give sandwich terns the best chance to successfully raise their young and thrive along our coast.

Sandwich terns feed mainly on small fish, including sandeels, sprats, and whiting, diving from heights to catch their prey just below the water’s surface. Their graceful fishing flights, combined with their distinct calls, make them a favourite sight for coastal birdwatchers. The Solent’s rich waters provide abundant food, supporting healthy tern populations and contributing to the wider marine ecosystem’s health.

Sadly, sandwich terns face ongoing threats from habitat loss, human disturbance, and climate change. Rising sea levels and increased storm frequency can wash away nests, while disturbance during breeding can cause birds to abandon eggs or chicks. Conservation efforts from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Bird Aware Solent aim to protect key nesting sites and raise public awareness, helping to help safeguard these sensitive habitats and ensure these elegant seabirds continue to grace our shores each summer.

Named after Sandwich Bay in Kent, the sandwich tern is one of three birds to be named after Kent - the others are the Kentish plover and the Dartford warbler.