Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

Long-distance migrant Shallow freshwater wetlands such as catt… Uncommon Kip-kip Flight Song

Learn to identify the Black Tern by ear. Master the "kip-kip-kip-kip" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“kip-kip-kip-kip”

What the Black Tern sounds like

A small, elegant marsh-loving tern distinguished by its dusky breeding plumage and buoyant flight. Unlike the more coastal ‘white’ terns, the Black Tern forages mostly over freshwater, hawking insects in swallow-like fashion and dipping to the surface for tiny fish. Its fluttery wing-beats, quick turns and habit of hovering give it an almost butterfly-like presence above reedy ponds and flooded meadows.

“kip-kip-kip-kip”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Rapid series of sharp ‘kip’ notes delivered while circling over colony; communicates territory and pair bond. Often written as “kip-kip-kip-kip”.

Don't confuse with:The Common Tern — common tern shows white breast year-round, orange bill with black tip, deeper tail fork

Lessons featuring the Black Tern

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Black Tern's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Tern Alarm System

Tier 9 · Niche Voices

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Where you'll hear it

Shallow freshwater wetlands such as cattail marshes, prairie potholes, flooded meadows and lake edges with abundant emergent vegetation; during migration and winter, also coastal lagoons, estuaries and inshore marine waters.

Northern breeders arrive at nesting marshes from late April to June, depart July–September. Migration peaks May and August. On wintering grounds, most present October–March.

Similar species

Common Tern

Common Tern shows white breast year-round, orange bill with black tip, deeper tail fork

White-winged Tern

In breeding plumage, has contrasting white wings; in non-breeding, lacks dark shoulder bar of Black Tern

Forster’s Tern

Larger, longer bill and tail, shows pale whitish primaries creating ‘frosted’ wing tips

Black Tern song FAQ

What does a Black Tern sound like?

Rapid series of sharp ‘kip’ notes delivered while circling over colony; communicates territory and pair bond. Listen for the "kip-kip-kip-kip" phrase.

How do I tell a Black Tern from a Common Tern by sound?

Common Tern: Common Tern shows white breast year-round, orange bill with black tip, deeper tail fork; Plunges head-first into water rather than hawking insects.

When is the best time to hear a Black Tern?

Northern breeders arrive at nesting marshes from late April to June, depart July–September. Migration peaks May and August. On wintering grounds, most present October–March.