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.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Common Tern |
| 🇫🇷 | Sterne pierregarin |
| 🇩🇪 | Fluss-Seeschwalbe |
| 🇲🇽 | Charrán común |
Taxonomy
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
Characteristics
| Length | 31-35cm |
| Weight | 110-141g |
| Wingspan | 77-98cm |
| Clutch Size | 1-4 eggs |
| Incubation | 22-27 days |
| Fledging | 28 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 2-3 years |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
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.
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-01-03