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Common Tern - Sterna Hirundo
Juvenile
It is strongly migratory, wintering in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Breeding adults have light grey upperparts, white to very light grey underparts, a black cap, orange-red legs, and a narrow pointed bill. Depending on the subspecies, the bill may be mostly red with a black tip or all black. There are a number of similar species, including the partly sympatric Arctic tern, which can be separated on plumage details, leg and bill colour, or vocalisations.
Breeding in a wider range of habitats than any of its relatives, the common tern nests on any flat, poorly vegetated surface close to water, including beaches and islands, and it readily adapts to artificial substrates such as floating rafts. The nest may be a bare scrape in sand or gravel, but it is often lined or edged with whatever debris is available. Up to three eggs may be laid, their dull colours and blotchy patterns providing camouflage on the open beach.
Population:
UK breeding:
12,000 pairs
Common Tern - Sterna Hirundo
Juvenile with Parent!
It is strongly migratory, wintering in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Breeding adults have light grey upperparts, white to very light grey underparts, a black cap, orange-red legs, and a narrow pointed bill. Depending on the subspecies, the bill may be mostly red with a black tip or all black. There are a number of similar species, including the partly sympatric Arctic tern, which can be separated on plumage details, leg and bill colour, or vocalisations.
Breeding in a wider range of habitats than any of its relatives, the common tern nests on any flat, poorly vegetated surface close to water, including beaches and islands, and it readily adapts to artificial substrates such as floating rafts. The nest may be a bare scrape in sand or gravel, but it is often lined or edged with whatever debris is available. Up to three eggs may be laid, their dull colours and blotchy patterns providing camouflage on the open beach.
Population:
UK breeding:
12,000 pairs
Common Tern - Sterna Hirundo
It is strongly migratory, wintering in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Breeding adults have light grey upperparts, white to very light grey underparts, a black cap, orange-red legs, and a narrow pointed bill. Depending on the subspecies, the bill may be mostly red with a black tip or all black. There are a number of similar species, including the partly sympatric Arctic tern, which can be separated on plumage details, leg and bill colour, or vocalisations.
Breeding in a wider range of habitats than any of its relatives, the common tern nests on any flat, poorly vegetated surface close to water, including beaches and islands, and it readily adapts to artificial substrates such as floating rafts. The nest may be a bare scrape in sand or gravel, but it is often lined or edged with whatever debris is available. Up to three eggs may be laid, their dull colours and blotchy patterns providing camouflage on the open beach.
Population:
UK breeding:
12,000 pairs
Common Tern - Sterna Hirundo
It is strongly migratory, wintering in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Breeding adults have light grey upperparts, white to very light grey underparts, a black cap, orange-red legs, and a narrow pointed bill. Depending on the subspecies, the bill may be mostly red with a black tip or all black. There are a number of similar species, including the partly sympatric Arctic tern, which can be separated on plumage details, leg and bill colour, or vocalisations.
Breeding in a wider range of habitats than any of its relatives, the common tern nests on any flat, poorly vegetated surface close to water, including beaches and islands, and it readily adapts to artificial substrates such as floating rafts. The nest may be a bare scrape in sand or gravel, but it is often lined or edged with whatever debris is available. Up to three eggs may be laid, their dull colours and blotchy patterns providing camouflage on the open beach.
Population:
UK breeding:
12,000 pairs
Hungry Common Tern chick begs for food.
{ Rybitwa zwyczajna, Sterna hirundo }
Long Island, NY
Ania Tuzel© All rights reserved - No Unauthorized Use.
300mm - f/8.0- 1/1000- ISO 640
Thanks so much for stopping by, everyone ! :)
This species is one of the most widespread terns in all North America which is quite remarkable considering their numbers were almost wiped out entirely by hunters seeking feathers in the late 19th century. The protection they needed came in the form of the Migratory Bird Treaty in 1918 and their population increased steadily until human disturbance, habitat loss and pollution in recent decades has lead to their numbers receding again.
This migrant spends its winters in Central and South America and can be listed as a long distance migrator since one banded in Great Britain was recovered in Australia.
In the spring and fall they can be found patrolling the shorelines of lakes and rivers plunge diving for food.
This bird is shaking off the excess water from a dive while if flight.
Common Tern - Sterna Hirundo
Juvenile
It is strongly migratory, wintering in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. Breeding adults have light grey upperparts, white to very light grey underparts, a black cap, orange-red legs, and a narrow pointed bill. Depending on the subspecies, the bill may be mostly red with a black tip or all black. There are a number of similar species, including the partly sympatric Arctic tern, which can be separated on plumage details, leg and bill colour, or vocalisations.
Breeding in a wider range of habitats than any of its relatives, the common tern nests on any flat, poorly vegetated surface close to water, including beaches and islands, and it readily adapts to artificial substrates such as floating rafts. The nest may be a bare scrape in sand or gravel, but it is often lined or edged with whatever debris is available. Up to three eggs may be laid, their dull colours and blotchy patterns providing camouflage on the open beach.
Population:
UK breeding:
12,000 pairs
Common Tern just after pooping on the guy's hat. This is what they do if they think you are too close to their nest. They dive bomb you and poop on you and they are accurate. I had to wash my hat when I got home. Nickerson Beach Park, Long Island NY.
Common Tern chicks snuggling under their parent on a hazy morning
{ Rybitwa zwyczajna, Sterna hirundo }
Nickerson beach, New York
Ania Tuzel© All rights reserved - No Unauthorized Use.
600 mm - f/5.6- 1/1000- ISO 400
Have a great week, everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by :)
I was kayaking on a beautiful marshy area when I came across this breeding adult, peacefully enjoying the sun.
RKO_6097. From the archives! Visdiefje / Common Tern! Hovering. Like a painting!
Copyright: Robert Kok. All rights reserved!
Please do not use my photos on websites, blogs or in any other media without my explicit permission.
Thanks for visiting, commenting and faving my photos. Its very much appreciated!
By far the most dominant bird breeding right now at Nickerson beach. Wearing a hat is a must. They do get feisty when you get close.