Common Tern
| Scientific name | Sterna hirundo |
| English name | Common Tern |
| Japanese name | 鯵刺 |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Ternidae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | hirundo |
| Subspecies | --- |
| 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.
Pictures
Introducing a picture of Common Tern.
