Scientific name: Gelochelidon nilotica (Gmelin 1789)
Bird group: Gulls and Terns
Field characters. 38 cm. Similar to Sandwich Tern. Like that species has a black bill and black legs, grey back and upperwings, and white underparts. Distinguishing characters are the shorter and thicker bill without yellow tip, the darker grey upperparts, the grey extending onto rump and uppertail, the broader wings, the more gull-like flight and the longer legs. Also, the tail is less deeply forked, but this is usually hard to see. Tips of primaries dark, forming a distinct line on the underwing. In winter plumage, the head looks almost completely white. Juvenile has coarse brownish marks on back and forewing and a buff cap. More often hunting above land than other terns.
Voice. Very different from Sandwich Tern. Loud metallic 'kak-kak', 'gaa-gaa', hoarse 'rhaa-rhaa' etc.
Distribution. Rare, decreasing.
Habitat. During breeding season found along broad sandy beaches, river banks, estuaries, lagoons, marshes and heathland, both near fresh and salt water. Hunts above salt marshes, fields, arable land, marshes. In winter, found along coasts and inland, usually near water.
Food. Insects, crabs and other invertebrates; mice, amphibians, reptiles, young and small birds, and fish.