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 Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35. Breeds in isolated pairs or smallish colonies on coastal marshes and islands, also on shores of inland lakes (incl. those with murky water). Frequently dives for fish. Best distinguished from rather similar Arctic Tern by following: shorter tail streamers, broader wings, faster and more rigidly clipping wingbeats (yet quite elegant, and when displaying exquisitely slow, elegant wingbeats, exactly like displaying Arctic Term, larger head (longer neck and bilk longer legs. Outer primaries above are slightly darker grey than inner ones, and the transition looks like a 'nick' in the rear edge of wing (Arctic Tern uniformly pale grey), Wings not so transparent when seen from below (mostly only the inner primaries). The dark orange-red bill nearly always has a black tip. Juvenile has grey secondaries (with white tips; not all-white) and clearly marked dark grey leading edge of wing above. Back normally with heavy, sooty, wavy barring. Inner part of bill usually orange-toned (not all-dark bill as in Arctic Tern). Voice often noticeably deeper than Arctic Tern's. Usual calls while fishing, courting and squabbling are short sharp 'kitt', rapid 'kyekyekyekye . . .' and also characteristic 'kirri-kirrikirri . . .'. Alarm against humans a drawn-out 'kreee-eh' against, e.g. crows a sharp 'ktchay'. SP
 An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
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