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Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
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The Common Tern breeds in suitable habitat throughout Europe, Asia, North America and West Africa. Outside the breeding season it migrates in a leap-frog manner with birds from south-west Europe wintering in West Africa north of the Equator, birds from Britain wintering either side of the Equator and birds from Scandinavia wintering in southern Africa.
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They feed mainly on salt-water fish which they catch by plunge-diving often after hovering. The fish is swallowed immediately on reaching the surface of the water unless it is being taken to a mate or young in which case it is held crosswise in the bill as can be seen in the second photo. |
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It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between Common Tern and Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea. Several points are visible in the first two photos: the Common Tern has a black tip to its red bill (most of the time), its bill is longer and it has longer legs, and its upper wing has a dark wedge which is less obvious in the spring. Both species are present in the third photo with Common Tern to the left and Arctic Tern to the right. |
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