This delightful chattering seabird is the UK's smallest tern. It is short-tailed and has a fast flight. Its bill is a distinctive yellow with a black tip. It is noisy at its breeding colony where courtship starts with an aerial display involving the male calling and carrying a fish to attract a mate which chases him up high before he descends, gliding with wings in a 'V'. Its vulnerable nesting sites and its decline in Europe make it an Amber List species.
Key ID Features
Its diminutive size helps distinguish it among mixed tern colonies.
Generally pale grey with white underparts, the summer adult has a black nape, crown and eye stripe.
A white forehead sits above a sharp yellow bill with a tiny black tip and orangey legs complete the ensemble.
The leading edge of the long grey wings is black edged near the tip and its short tail, along with its slightly mechanical stiff wing beats gives the impression of a large butterfly in flight.
Fishing usually involves much hovering low over shallow water, often close to shore, with several quick dives in succession.
Juveniles are dark billed and lack the black crown and white forehead, which is more streaked, and have broad dark tips on upper wings.
Overview
Scientific name: Sterna albifrons
Family: Terns (Sternidae)
Where to see them:
A strictly coastal species found around the UK coastline at suitable breeding beaches. Largest colonies found along the east and south coasts of Scotland and England at sites which include: Blakeney Point and Great Yarmouth, Norfolk; Minsmere, Suffolk; and Langstone Harbour, Hampshire.
Seen in UK:
A summer visitor to Europe, arriving in April and May. Return migration starts in August and continues into September.
What they eat
Fish.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
