Last Updated: December 2, 2009 by Paul Lehman

winter
summer
migration
year round
extralimital range

Range: Breeds in Europe, Asia, Southeast Africa, and Australia. Accidental to North America; records from New Jersey and Delaware.

Identification: (Chlidonias hybrida)

Accidental to North America. Alternate Adult has medium gray wings and back, dark gray underparts, slightly forked white tail, black cap, and red legs and bill. Basic Adult has white underparts and forehead, black bill, and black legs. Juvenile is mottled on wings and back.

Length: 24 (cm) Wingspan: 73 (cm)

Habitat:

Shallow wetlands, swamps, lakes, and coastal areas.

Behavior:

Nest is a floating mat of vegetation. Often breeds in loose colonies.

Feeding:

Plunge-dives, hovers, or dips to surface of water to catch fish and other small aquatic organisms.

Field Notes

Expanded Life History

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