Common Tern, Sterna hirundo Bird Guide Common Tern Scientific Name Sterna hirundo Status Widely but patchily distributed summer visitor. 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.