Black tern

Two black terns at a reed nest platform at sunset

In breeding plumage the black tern is a dusky, charcoal-grey marsh bird with a black head and body, pale grey wings, and a white patch under the tail.

Unlike most terns, it nests in freshwater marshes, often on floating mats of vegetation, and it hawks insects over the water as often as it dives for fish.

I like the smoky, charcoal look of a black tern, and the way it dips to the surface of the water without ever fully landing.

Curious about the black tern and its habitat? Learn more on its page at All About Birds.

Field notes in photographs

  • Two black terns at a reed nest platform at sunset
  • Black tern flying away from a mate on a reed nest platform
  • Black tern passing food to its mate on a reed nest platform
  • Black tern skimming the water to catch food

Black tern Manitoba sightings

Where and when you can find the black tern in Manitoba depends on the season and the habitat. You can see more species in the Manitoba birds section.

Map of Manitoba showing where the black tern nests, with major cities and lakes
Where to look for the black tern in Manitoba through the seasons: nesting in the Boreal Plains and the Prairies (gold). Habitat regions: National Ecological Framework for Canada. Boundaries: Statistics Canada. Lakes: Natural Earth.

Back to Manitoba bird photography, or see the portfolio.

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