COMMON TERN : Sterna hirundo
Also see TERNS
The Common Tern could be confused with the Artic Tern or even one of the smaller gulls such as the black headed gull. If you see one around West Dunbartonshire's coast in other words the Firth of Clyde, it will a summer visitor. They nest in colonies on sandy and shingle beaches. That is almost non-existent within West Dunbartonshire itself, but can be found along adjoining coastline. What gives it away when seen amongst other seabirds is its habit of hovering above the water before plunging downwards to catch small fish.
This one settled on a pole off the shore at Cardross. Note the black tip to its otherwise orange/red beak. Light grey upper plumag over white. Reddish legs.
