Peppergrass

Common Terns

Sterna hirundo longipennis

Grey upperparts and underwing with dark wedge on the wing tip. Black tips on under-wing primaries. Non-breeding plumage includes black bill (sometimes with some red at the base), white forehead, black hind crown, grey upper-parts, white rump and tail (without streamers) and white underparts. Usually has a darker carpal and secondary bars on upper-wing. Breeding plumage includes a red bill (with a black tip), shiny black cap and a very pale grey on the lower under-parts. Tail streamers are present.First year immatures, have plumage similar to the non-breeding plumage but has a dull grey cap, buff tinge on upper-parts, scaly mantle and shows a striong carpal bar on the under-wing. Has a very gracefull flight and can be seen plunging into the water for prey from upto 10m in the air. Mainly found in flocks with other terns, and marine during the winter.

Posted on February 18, 2009 at 11:08 am in Uncategorized.