Common Tern

Description:

Sternidae, are small to medium-sized seabirds. The Common Tern has long pointed wings, a deeply forked tail, slender legs and webbed feet. Most species are grey above and white below, and have a black cap which is reduced or flecked with white in the non-breeding season. The bill of an adult Common Tern is orange-red with a black tip.

Habitat:

Common Tern habitat includes freshwater or the sea on almost any open flat habitat, including sand or shingle beaches, firm dune areas, salt marsh, or, most commonly, islands. Flat grassland or heath, or even large flat rocks may be suitable in a island environment. In addition to natural beaches and rocks, boats, buoys and piers are often used both as perches and night-time roosts.

Notes:

This Common Tern was hunting and feeding along the old pilings that stand in the bay. Diving very near the pilings themselves at high speed. Preparing to dive with a quick flutter high above its target. Dives and disappears beneath the water barley making a splash. Very unique feeding style makes the Tern standout for spotting and viewing from other shorebirds and Gulls in the area.