Also known as: Sterna antillarum
23 cm (9") Uncommon. Sandy beaches along coasts and major inland rivers. Smallest tern, Robin-sized. White forehead with a small black cap; orange-yellow bill with a tiny black tip; white underparts; gray mantle; long, slender wings with dark in tips; orange-yellow legs.
Winter adult similar but has more white on forehead.
In flight, rapid wing beats and distinctive black wedge on outer wings.
Song: call - a rapid series of kip notes, a high pitched "chir-ee-eep".