Friday's Foto

Black Tern, East Pond, JBWR

Listed in New York State as "Endangered", the diminutive Black Tern breeds in freshwater marshes across Canada, the northern United States and much of Europe and western Asia. After the breeding season its mostly jet black plumage transitions to gray above, whitish below, a dark ear-patch, and mark at the side of the breast. They overwinter in marine and coastal habitats of Central America and Northern South America. Unlike most terns, this species will rarely plunge into water to grab prey, but rather swoop and gracefully pick from the water's surface. They will also grab insects in flight. The IUCN Red list lists them as "Least Concern", although their worldwide population is declining.