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Nature Documentaries

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)

The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) is a graceful migratory seabird known for its striking black cap and vibrant red-orange beak. Often observed diving elegantly for fish in the rivers and lakes around Montreal, this species is a familiar sight during its breeding season.

Parc des Rapides - 2019-06-08
Location: Parc des Rapides
Date: 2019-06-08
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: 300mm f/4.0
Settings: f6.3 • 1/2500 • ISO 280
Focal Length: 420mm
Parc de la Frayère - 2017-05-27
Location: Parc de la Frayère
Date: 2017-05-27
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N
Settings: f6.3 • 1/1250 • ISO 220
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc Angrignon - 2016-06-26
Location: Parc Angrignon
Date: 2016-06-26
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N
Settings: f6.3 • 1/1000 • ISO 360
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc Angrignon - 2016-06-26
Location: Parc Angrignon
Date: 2016-06-26
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N
Settings: f6.3 • 1/1000 • ISO 800
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc Angrignon - 2016-06-26
Location: Parc Angrignon
Date: 2016-06-26
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N
Settings: f6.3 • 1/1000 • ISO 560
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc Angrignon - 2015-07-11
Location: Parc Angrignon
Date: 2015-07-11
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Settings: f5.6 • 1/500 • ISO 320
Focal Length: 300mm

Common Names

🇨🇦Common Tern
🇫🇷Sterne pierregarin
🇩🇪Fluss-Seeschwalbe
🇲🇽Charrán común

Taxonomy

OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyLaridae

Characteristics

Length31-35cm
Weight110-141g
Wingspan77-98cm
Clutch Size1-4 eggs
Incubation22-27 days
Fledging28 days
Sexual Maturity2-3 years

Explore More

📖 For more information about this species: Wikipedia Page

Identification and Whereabouts

The Common Tern is characterized by its grey back and upper wings, contrasting with a white belly and the underside of its wings. It features a distinctive black cap and a red-orange beak that transitions to black at the tip. This species closely resembles the larger Caspian Tern, which is less commonly observed. Unlike the Caspian Tern, the Common Tern's beak distinctly ends in black.

The Common Tern can be observed from late spring to mid-autumn along the riverbanks and in parks featuring ponds adjacent to the river.

Location Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Parc Angrignon x x - -
Parc des Rapides - x - -

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.