Migrant Birds of the Sea, Seashore 

 and Cliffs 



BLACK TERN (Hydrochelidon nigra). 



Once a breeding species ; now a passing visitor on 

 spring and autumn migrations chiefly to our eastern 

 and southern coasts and inland waters. 



Plumage. Head, neck, breast, and under parts 

 black. Back, wings, and tail slate-grey. Vent white. 

 Bill black. Legs and feet reddish brown. Length g| in. 

 Female : rather paler below, otherwise similar ; after 

 moult, forehead, throat and nape white ; under parts 

 white, barred with grey. Young : mottled with brown 

 above ; full dress not assumed till the second spring. 



Language. A shrill " crik." 



Habits. Flight rapid, buoyant, dashing, reminding 

 one of the Swallow's. It catches insects on the wing, 

 and plunges precipitately into the water Gannet-like 

 after surface-swimming fish. Like other Terns, it 

 hovers with bill pointing downwards when looking 

 for food. 



Food. Aquatic insects, small fish, &c. 



Nidification. Breeds in Europe. 



97 N 



