common tern (Sternahirundo)

A common tern carries a fish back to its nest colony along Lake Michigan. Two hungry chicks, below, wait for a meal.

Common tern chicks and eggs are highly camouflaged, and difficult to see on the ground.

photographs by Chris Young

Return to Illinois Raptor Center Home Page | Learn about our educational programs | Return to Gulls and Terns page | Go to Pictorial Guide to Illinois Birds directory