Common Tern

Black helmet-like head.

Scientific name	Sterna hirundo
English name	Common Tern
Japanese name	鯵刺
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Charadriiformes Ternidae
Full length	36cm
Distribution	A migratory bird that flies to coasts all over Japan.

Characteristics

They are about the same size as pigeons, but appear slightly smaller than gulls.

The head above the eyes is completely black, making it look like it is wearing a helmet. Both sexes are the same color. The beak is completely black. Young birds have reddish beaks. The tail feathers are swallow-tailed and pointed.

Tern cries

They make a high-pitched "ki" sound when taking off.

Ecology

They fly to the coast and tidal flats as migratory birds. They dive into the sea to catch and eat fish. They hover just before diving.

Habitat

Sanbanze

I photographed a single bird at Sanbanze in early spring. It was resting at the water's edge among other gulls, including black-headed gulls. After observing for a while, it started preening its feathers. It looked much larger than a little tern.