Bird · GBIF taxon 9367409
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoThe Common Tern is a slim, buoyant seabird with narrow wings, a deeply forked tail, a black cap, and reddish legs. It hovers briefly before plunging into water for small fish and nests in exposed colonies on low ground.
Plunge DiverMigratory SeabirdColonial Nester
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Crustaceans
- Aquatic insects
Predators
- Large gulls
- Foxes
- Peregrine Falcons
ThreatsColony disturbance, flooding, invasive predators, fishing gear, pollution, and declining fish availability
HabitatsCoasts, islands, estuaries, lakes, rivers, marshes, and gravel nesting flats
Life spanLong-lived; some wild birds survive for more than 25 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLaridae
- SpeciesSterna hirundo
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Breeding terns dive at intruders, so retreat before alarm calls intensify.
Responsible observation
- Flight: Watch for flexible wingbeats and a deeply forked tail.
- Bill: Breeding adults often show a red bill with a dark tip.
- Distance: Stay outside all marked colony and beach nesting closures.
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