Common name: Common Tern.
Scientific name: Sterna hirundo hirundo Linnaeus, 1758
Family: Sternidae
Distribution and Habitat: Great migratory bird, which exists in the Madeira Archipelago where it nests on islets and rocky cliffs during spring.
Description: Bird with light grey upperparts and white underparts, presenting a light grey hue. It has a black cap, red feet and a deeply forked tail. The bill is reddish orange with a black or blood red tip.
Conservation statute and Threats: This species is considered vulnerable, since its population is reduced and its concentration area is very limited.
Observations: It occurs in the Madeira Island between March and September, spreading itself evenly along the coast. On the Madeira Island in particular, the occupation and alterations of the coastline constitute a threatening factor.
