adult summer

adult summer adult summer in flight European distribution summer adults in flight

Identification

The Black Tern is the commonest of the so-called 'marsh terns' which can be distinguished from other terns by their broader, more rounded wings, a fatter body, squarer tail and relatively shorter bill. In summer, all the Marsh Terns have dark bodies, but Black Terns lack the white cheeks of a Whiskered Tern or the strikingly pale wings, rump and tail of a White-winged Black Tern. In other plumages Black Terns are always more uniform especially across the upperparts which lack the dark saddle which the other marsh terns show, at least to some extent. Their underparts are mostly white but with a diagnostic peg of black extending over each shoulder onto the breast. In winter they retain most black on their head and nape than other Marsh Terns.

Habitat

Breeds in freshwater marshes. Occurs on passage at lakes, marshes and at sea.

Behaviour

Black Terns are most commonly seen flapping vigourously over a lake, reservoir or gravel pit. By patrolling up and down they can scan the water surface for insects and collect them by dipping frequently downwards.

Migration

Winters at sea along the African west coast especially around Ghana. Some also winter in the Nile Valley and in the Indian Ocean.

This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.

For the purposes of our bird news services, Black Tern is classed as Local: generally fairly regular or common species that a 'county lister' or a birding beginner might be interested in going to see. (Note that rarity levels are currently applied nationally and may not reflect local variations in abundance.)

Bonanza, Andalucia, Spain 20/04/2010	Kotlin Island, Leningrad Oblast, Russia (Europe) 30/05/2010	Upton Warren, Worcs 22/05/2010	Bonifica del Mezzano - Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy 23/05/2010	Upton Warren, Worcs 22/05/2010
Alton Wtr, Suffolk 23/05/2010	Alton Wtr, Suffolk 23/05/2010	Alton Wtr, Suffolk 23/05/2010	Kenfig NNR, Glamorgan 24/09/2009	Kenfig NNR, Glamorgan 24/09/2009

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Black Tern breeds in the following countries (Bird News Extra subscribers will see population statistics and information on trends for each country):

Albania
Belarus
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Macedonia
Moldova
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia and Montenegro
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine

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