Common Tern

1. Orange-red bill with black tip in breeding season, mostly black in winter

2. Black cap in breeding, receding to a white forehead in non-breeding

3. Prominent dark wedge on the wings and deeply forked tail

The Common Tern does not breed in Australia but it is a non breeding visitor to Australian shores. Breeding takes place in the Northern Hemisphere including North America, Europe and Asia. They nest in colonies on beaches, islands, or artificial platforms, laying 1–3 eggs in a shallow scrape. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after about 22–28 days. Chicks fledge about three weeks later. They feed mainly on small fish, caught by plunge-diving, but will also take insects and crustaceans. Adults are highly territorial and defend their nests vigorously.

Common Terns are found along coasts, large lakes, rivers, and estuaries, foraging over open water near their breeding sites. They prefer areas with abundant small fish and are often seen in flocks, especially after breeding.