A small tern with an all-black head and body, contrasting with grey wings, back and tail in spring; autumn birds have grey upperparts, white underparts and distinctive black head markings. Feeds by dipping down and picking food from the surface of water. Has occasionally bred in the UK.
Key ID Features
A small, delicate tern which dips at the surface to feed rather than plunge diving.
In summer the pale under wings and tail contrast with the black legs, belly, chest, head, neck and bill, with the upper wings a dark, smoky grey.
Winter adults retain the black bill, legs and cap with a dark chest spot, but the rest of the head, neck chest and belly becomes white.
A medium length tail is seen to be squared or slightly forked in flight.
Juveniles are similar to winter adults but with a dark saddle.
Moulting adults in late summer are blotchy black and white.
Overview
Scientific name: Chlidonias niger
Family: Terns (Sternidae)
Where to see them:
Freshwater lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs, almost anywhere.
Seen in UK:
Best looked for in May, on spring passage, and from July to September on autumn passage.
What they eat
Insects, invertebrates and fish.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Keyhaven, Hampshire
Photographer: Tim Tapley
