Habitat Both coasts and inland waters. Description Slightly larger and longer-legged than similar Arctic Tern, and has shorter wings. Red bill is tipped black. Most terns seen on inland waters will be this species. By Michael J. Seago Colonial nesters, young common terns have been ringed in considerable numbers in Norfolk for many years.
Recoveries provide fascinating reading, particularly when compared with foreign records.
As an indication of age, there are recoveries up to 10 years after ringing. One was found decapitated by a nest scrape after 25 years. An easterly movement of local common terns develops soon after fledging, as shown by records from the Netherlands, Denmark and north-east Germany. A large-scale southerly movement of juveniles accompanying adults or travelling alone follows with many recoveries from the coasts of Spain and Portugal where some halt and appear to winter. Examples have reached Morocco as early as September, followed by Senegal arrivals by October and Angola by November.