Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

Very rare migrants from Southern Europe with 400 records about 3 per year in Britain & has bred once.

Breeds across Europe, North America & Central South America from April-September.

Winters in South Africa & Southern South America.

Breeding Adults have grey upperparts, white underparts, a black cap, strong black bill and black legs.

The call is a characteristic ker-wik.

In winter, the cap is lost, and there is a dark patch through the eye like a Forster's Tern or a Mediterranean Gull.

Juveniles have a fainter mask, but otherwise look much like winter Adults.