Sandwich Tern
Sterna sandvichensis
Length 41cm

Elegant seabird, looking pure white at a distance. Summer visitor, seen on coasts from April to September. Easily recognised in flight by powerful, buoyant flight on long, narrow wings and frequently uttered, harsh churrick call. Back and upperwing of adult pale grey but plumage otherwise white except for dark crest; in winter plumage, sometimes seen in birds in autumn, loses dark cap but retains black on nape. Legs black and bill black with yellow tip. Juvenile has scaly-looking back and dark bill. Breeds very locally in large colonies on undisturbed sand or shingle beaches around British and Irish coasts.