Common Tern
Where to Look
- Throughout the Galapagos Marine Reserve
Similar Galapagos Species
Royal Tern
Identification
The only grey-and-white tern with a black bill in the Galapagos.
Description
In non-breeding plumage, adults have light grey upperparts, white underparts, black bills, dark red to blackish legs and feet and a scrufy black nape and hind crown. Sexes alike. Juvenile similar to non-breeding adult, but has brown markings on its back.
Galapagos Distribution
Found across Isabela, Fernandina, Baltra, North Seymour and South Plaza Islands. There is also a population on NW Santa Cruz and it has been re-introduced to Santiago. The best places to look for it are South Plaza and North Seymour.
Global Distribution
Breeds across large parts of the Northern Hemisphere and overwinters in coastal South America, Africa, S Asia and Oceania.
Status in the Galapagos
An uncommon non-breeding visitor, present from September to April.