Gulls, Terns

Common Tern, Sterna hirundo

Family Laridae (Gulls, Terns)

Size: 12"

Season: Spring–fall

Habitat: Sandy coastal areas, offshore islands, inland freshwater wetlands

The common tern is indeed common and widespread across North America, breeding on the North Atlantic coast and wintering in South America. The body shape is similar to the other medium-size terns such as roseate, Arctic, and Forster’s, with short, red legs, a streamlined body, and a thin, pointed, red bill. The tail on the common tern is long and deeply forked but does not extend beyond the wingtips on the perched bird. Plumage is white below with a gray wash on the breast and belly, light gray above and on the upperwings, with a neat, black cap atop the head. In flight there is a noticeable dark edge to the primaries. Winter birds (rarely seen in New England) have black bills and legs, a white forehead, and a dark bar on the leading edge of the inner wing. It is sometimes called the “sea swallow” for its graceful flight. The adult is illustrated.