Common Tern

Seagulls, sometimes called sea swallows, are birds with long wings and graceful flight. Their heads are covered by a black cap, while the rest of their plumage is white and grey, like gulls. The difference between the species of seagulls is quite subtle. You have to look at the beak, the legs, the shape of the tail and the general appearance. The Common Tern has a red beak with a black tip. Its legs are red. Care must be taken not to confuse the Common Tern with the rare Arctic Tern, whose beak is completely blood red and whose tail is longer and more forked. The colour criteria of the beak are only valid when the birds are in their nuptial plumage.