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Bird Sightings : Hebrides :
American Black Tern

 

Awaiting image for this species

 

American Black Tern

Chlidonias niger surinamensis

 

• American Black Tern
• Chlidonias niger surinamensis
• UK: 1950 - 2006 1 record BBRC
• WI: Very rare visitor (First record) TBC
• Breeding: Usually builds nests over shallow water on floating marsh vegetation. Mostly resident in freshwater wetlands across N United States& C Canada
• Diet: Does not dive. Forages whilst flying, by dipping down to water's surface. Summer mostly insects, Winter, mostly small fish. Also chases insects in flight
• Similar birds: White-winged Black Tern

 

The American Black Tern is said to be distinguishable from the Black Tern in all it's plumages.

 

American Black Tern records in the Western Isles

Very rare visitor (First record) TBC

The chart below shows how abundant the Black Tern is during a month or when you are more likely to see it.

J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D

(Source: Outer Hebrides Birds Checklist)

 

 

Other local bird photographs

Sources of information for the bird sightings section

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