How to identify

These delightful silvery-grey and white birds have long tails which have earned them the nickname 'sea-swallow'. They have a graceful, floating flight and frequently hover over water before plunging down for fish. They often gather and breed in noisy groups. The Common Tern is the tern species most often found inland.

Call

Common Tern

Ross Ahmed / xeno-canto

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Key facts