Nature Photographers Ltd

Little Tern Sterna albifrons L 24cm. Tiny, pale tern that hovers before plunge-diving after fish and shrimps. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings, mainly black cap, and otherwise white plumage. Note black-tipped yellow bill and yellow-orange legs. In flight, wingtips are dark. Non-breeding plumage (acquired from late summer onwards) is similar but forehead becomes white and leg and bill colours darken. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but back looks scaly. Voice Utters a raucous cree-ick call. Status Local summer visitor with scattered coastal colonies on shingle and sandy islands and beaches.