Black Tern

Description:

A small tern of freshwater habitats from North America and Europe. This species feeds not by diving but by "hawking" over the surface of the water to catch insects and occasionally fish. The individual pictured here is molting into its nonbreeding plumage which it will wear during its overwintering period in Northern South America.

Notes:

One of several individuals migrating through the Bay Area around this levee in Alviso Marina County Park. They are usually seen here only during this time of year.