Sterna hirundo
L 14 1/2" (37 cm) W 30" (76 cm).

Song or calls:
Loud rolling “tee-arr”or ‘kree-arr.’ When alarmed, rattling “kik kik kik.”

more images

photo by Phil Swanson

Description: Sexes similar. Breeding adult has orange-red bill with black tip; orange legs; black cap and nape; long forked tail; medium gray above and paler below. In flight, a black wedge is usually visible near tip of upperwing.Non-breeding birds have incomplete black cap, with a white forehead; and bill color varies with age.

Habitat: Lakes, reservoirs, and rivers are used by migrants most frequently. Migrants are found less often on smaller marshes and ponds.

Where in Nebraska: Uncommon to rare spring and fall migrant in the eastern part of the state, becoming even rarer in the west. No breeding records for the state.

Status: The true status of this species is uncertain because of frequent confusion with Forster's Tern.

Fun Facts: The Common Tern is sometimes called the sea swallow.