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Adult Description
Medium-sized tern. Stocky, with wide wings. Stout black bill. Tail short and notched. Black cap when breeding. Head nearly white during winter, with dark smudge behind eyes. Wings very pale gray with little black in tips. Body white. Legs black.Immature Description
Immature resembles winter adult.Relative Size

between robin and crowMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 13.0-15.0 in (33-38 cm)
- Weight: 5.3-7.2 oz (150-205 g)