Breeding adult © Jonathan Irons eBird S56640734 Macaulay Library ML 211578121
© Andrew Simon
Nonbreeding adult © Jonathan Irons
Immature © Andrew Dreelin
Juvenile © Denny Swaby
+ 7
Nonbreeding adult © Barry Blust
Breeding adult © County Lister Brendan
Nonbreeding adult © Alex Lamoreaux
Breeding adult © Alex Lamoreaux
Immature © Alex Lamoreaux
Habitat © R Painter

Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Smaller than all the gulls, with thinner and more pointed bill. Distinguished from other terns by pale whitish wings and orange-based bill in summer, and isolated black ear patch in winter. Forages by circling and hovering over bays, ponds, and lakes, then dropping to snatch fish. Often rests on sandbars, piers, and other structures with other gull and tern species. Snappy, quick wingbeats and acrobatic in flight.

POWERED BY MERLIN