adult in nonbreeding plumage (California, USA; 2011-09-05)


Black Tern
Chlidonias niger

Native Range: North America and Eurasia

Notes: a dark freshwater tern with buoyant erratic flight and deep wingbeats; often dips to water to feed


dorsal view (California, USA; 2011-09-05)

head-on view (California, USA; 2011-09-05)

ventral view (California, USA; 2011-09-05)

buoyant flight (California, USA; 2011-09-05)

flying close to feed at water surface (California, USA; 2011-09-05)
vagrant photographed in southern California (California, USA; 2011-09-05)

adult in transitional plumage (California, USA; 2009-09-04)
dip-feeding near Willet (California, USA; 2011-09-05)
adult in breeding plumage; mostly dark charcoal (Poland; 2012-05-25) adult breeder; mostly dark charcoal plumage (Poland; 2012-05-25)