Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

Gliding gracefully over coastal waters, this elegant seabird is a master of long-distance migration.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Common Tern displays a striking combination of light grey upperparts and white underparts. Its black cap, forked tail, and slender wings are distinctive features. During the breeding season, adults have full black caps and vibrant red bills with a black tip.

Non-breeding adults have a white forehead and duller bill. Juveniles show a ginger-brown wash on their upperparts and a dark carpal bar on their wings.

Size

Length

31cm to 35cm

Wingspan

77cm to 98cm

Weight

110g to 145g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey White

Secondary Colour

Black Red

Beak Colour

Red Black

Leg Colour

Red Orange

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Common Tern is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Common Tern is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Common Tern can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Common Tern can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Common Tern is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Common Tern is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Common Tern is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Common Tern is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Common Tern is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Common Tern is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Common Tern is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Common Tern is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Common Terns inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, and large inland water bodies across North America, Europe, and Asia. They prefer sandy or rocky shores for nesting but can also be found on gravel bars and islands in rivers and lakes.

During winter, they migrate to the southern hemisphere, reaching as far as South America, Africa, and Australasia. They are common summer visitors to the UK, USA, and Canada.

Elevation Range

Up to 4,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Tern. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons