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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameChlidonias niger FamilyTerns (Sternidae) OverviewA small tern with an all-black head and body, contrasting with grey wings, back and tail in spring; autumn birds have grey upperparts, white underparts and distinctive black head markings. Feeds by dipping down and picking food from the surface of water. Has occasionally bred in the UK. Where to see themFreshwater lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs, almost anywhere. When to see themBest looked for in May, on spring passage, and from July to September on autumn passage. What they eatInsects, invertebrates and fish. Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Summer plumage  Summer, in flight  Juvenile in flight Help the Black ternThe RSPB is working for a better environment for birds and people. Join today and add your voice. |
Black tern calling from reedmace stump - Niall Benvie
Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve, view across pool and reedbed - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2001_2946_009)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)