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Shore Birds - Range Map

The Common Tern is the most widespread tern found in North America.

Description: Measuring about 15 inches in length, the graceful Common Tern has a black cap and nape, white underparts, and a light-gray body. Its bill is orange with a black tip. The legs are reddish in color. The tail is long and deeply forked, giving it the appearance of a large swallow. The non-breeding Common Tern looks similar but has a white forehead, black bill, and dark patches on the shoulder. Males and females are similar.

Diet: The Common Tern eat small fish by plunging into water. Common Terns rarely drink freshwater. Like most sea birds, they have special nasal glands that filter out excess salt.

Range: The Common Tern breeds primarily in central and eastern Canada and northern sections of the United States around the Great Lakes, the Dakotas, and northern Montana and Idaho. It is found throughout southern Canada, the west coast, and the eastern United States during migration. It winters in the Caribbean islands and along the coasts of south America.

Habitat: islands, marshes, beaches and lakes.

Status: The Common Tern is actually not so common. In many states, it is listed as threatened or endangered. Like many birds, it was hunted in the early 1900's for its plumes. Today, it has recovered somewhat, but still not to its former levels.