Common Tern

4 weeks ago door Simeon

Points: 35

Spotted

A widespread and familiar tern, the Common Tern is characterized by its streamlined body, pointed wings, and a bright red bill with a black tip. They are agile aerialists, adept at plunge-diving for fish.

Where to spot

Found along coastal areas, large lakes, and rivers across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa and Australia. They prefer open water with abundant fish.

How to spot

Look for its red bill with a black tip (juveniles may have an all-red bill), long pointed wings, and a deeply forked tail. Observe their characteristic plunge-diving behavior to catch fish. Listen for their sharp 'kee-arr' call.

When to spot

Best observed during their breeding season in spring and summer in temperate regions. They are migratory, so they can also be seen during migration periods in many areas.

Where to spot

Found along coastal areas, large lakes, and rivers across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa and Australia. They prefer open water with abundant fish.

How to spot

When to spot

Best observed during their breeding season in spring and summer in temperate regions. They are migratory, so they can also be seen during migration periods in many areas.

Credits: kees torn

Credits: roderuiter

Credits: Door Alexis Lours - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=117065309

Common Terns undertake impressive long-distance migrations, with some individuals traveling from their northern breeding grounds to wintering areas as far south as Africa and South America.

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