White-winged Black Tern

🔍 Overview

A rare and elegant vagrant, often seen briefly during spring or autumn. Most often confused with Black Tern.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Breeding Adult: Black body, white wings

Non-breeding/Juvenile: Pale grey and white with dark ear-coverts

Size: Smaller than Common Tern (24–28 cm)

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Rare but occasionally seen at Arlington Reservoir, Pagham Harbour, or Rye Harbour, usually in May–June or August–September.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Soft chattering call. Agile and buoyant flight, often hawking over freshwater.