The Little Tern
Little Tern Sterna albifrons L 23. Breeds sparsely to uncommonly in small colonies on flat, sandy or shingle coasts (on the Continent also at shallow, sandy inland lakes). Smallest of Europe's terns. White forehead in all plumages, black-tipped yellow bill (in spring and early -summer) and yellow legs (all year/. Juvenile is recognised chiefly by small size. Short-tailed Flies quickly with fast wingbeats (rather like ringed plovers when it rushes about over the water/. Gives butterfly-like impression when hovering above the water. Often dives excitedly over and over again, in rapid succession. Active and noisy, call a hoarse, shrill 'pret-pret'. S
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.
