LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons

All species in the genus Sternula are very similar, with the possible exception of Damara (black-billed whereas the rest are yellow). This is the most widespread representative, which breeds coastally from the UK to Australia, but also inland in Europe. It migrates south thus inviting confusion with Saunder's Little (if that is a "good" species). UK birds are in decline but a number of measures have been put in place which so far seem to be helping. The right-hand bird is of the race sinensis, breeding from India to Australia.

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