This small gull is recognized in all plumages by the thin all-black bill, and in flight by the white wedge on the leading edge of the upper surface of the outer wing, and the black trailing edge of the primaries. The underside of the wing is very pale gray, fading to white on the primaries. The upper wing and mantle are pale gray. Legs are pink to reddish-pink. Alternate adults have a black hood with a broken white eye ring surrounding the back half of the eye. Adults in basic plumage have white heads with a black spot on the auriculars and limited gray smudging on the crown. First winter birds show a brownish black bar across the wing coverts and a black band at the tip of the tail. In flight, note the dark bar on the inner wing, black in the outer primaries which reduces the white wedge, and a black trailing edge on the wing. Second winter birds resemble adults, but retain some black on the primary coverts and on the tail.

Length: 30 (cm) Wingspan: 80 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a low rasping kerrrrrr.

Habitat:

Nests in trees in marshy forest openings or along forest edge. Winters along coasts and on large lakes.

Behavior:

Flight is light and buoyant, often described as tern-like. Can hover when feeding on flying insects.

Feeding:

Takes insects, small fish. May spin on the water like a phalarope to stir up aquatic invertebrates.