Watercolor portrait of Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo
Breeds across temperate and sub-arctic r… Nests on open, sparsely vegetated island… Common Kirrik-kirrik display call

Learn to identify the Common Tern by ear. Master the "ki-ri-ri-ri-ri" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“ki-ri-ri-ri-ri”

What the Common Tern sounds like

Graceful, long-distance migrant tern with buoyant, elastic wingbeats and a sharp forked tail. Often seen patrolling shorelines and estuaries before plunging into the water for small fish.

“ki-ri-ri-ri-ri”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Rapid, chattering series given in flight during courtship and territory defense. Often written as “ki-ri-ri-ri-ri”.
Don't confuse with:The Arctic Tern — arctic has shorter, all-red bill (no black tip).

Lessons featuring the Common Tern

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Common Tern's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Gulls & Terns: Seaside Yellers lesson habitat
Gulls & Terns: Seaside Yellers
Tier 5 · Wet Feet & Watchpoints
Tern Alarm System lesson habitat
Tern Alarm System
Tier 9 · Niche Voices
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Nests on open, sparsely vegetated islands, beaches, and marshes; forages over coastal waters, large lakes, and rivers.

Arrives on breeding grounds in late April–May, rearing young through mid-summer. Migrates south August–September; northern birds may linger until October.

Similar species

Arctic Tern

Arctic has shorter, all-red bill (no black tip).

Forster’s Tern

In non-breeding plumage retains black eye patch not full cap.

Roseate Tern

Longer, more deeply forked tail.

Common Tern song FAQ

What does a Common Tern sound like?
Rapid, chattering series given in flight during courtship and territory defense. Listen for the "ki-ri-ri-ri-ri" phrase.
How do I tell a Common Tern from a Arctic Tern by sound?
Arctic Tern: Arctic has shorter, all-red bill (no black tip).; Underwing uniformly pale without dark wedge.; Tail streamers longer in adults..
When is the best time to hear a Common Tern?
Arrives on breeding grounds in late April–May, rearing young through mid-summer. Migrates south August–September; northern birds may linger until October.