Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Length 35cm

Common and widespread around coasts of Britain and Ireland from mid-April to late August; also seen on large inland lakes and flooded gravel pits. Appearance typically tern-like with pale grey back and upperparts and otherwise white plumage. Red legs relatively long compared to similar Arctic tern. Bill orange-red with black tip. Black cap present in summer adult but incomplete in winter plumage. In flight, outer primaries appear dark on upperwing. Juvenile has scaly appearance to back and dark leading edge to inner wing. Colonial nester on undisturbed shingle and sandy beaches. Plunge-dives for surface-feeding fish.