The Common Tern is the most widespread tern in the Northern Hemisphere and the species most people think of as the archetypal 'sea swallow.' It hovers over water and plunge-dives for fish, often several times per minute. Its black-tipped red bill distinguishes it from the nearly identical Arctic Tern, which has an all-red bill.
Best time to see a Common Tern
The best time to see a Common Tern is May–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,444 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Common Tern? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Common Tern sightings near you
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