Black Tern
Chlidonias niger
Length 24cm

Seen mainly as scarce passage migrant, mostly in May and August; rare and erratic breeder. Single birds usually seen but sometimes occur in small flocks. Adult in breeding plumage has black body, dark grey wings and white stern and tail. From mid-summer onwards, body plumage of adult white except for black on nape and crown. Juvenile similar to winter adult but feathers on back have pale margins and tail and rump grey. Occurs near freshwater, often flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes. Hunts insects over water with buoyant flight. Could turn up almost anywhere in Britain and Ireland but most records S and E England.