sea tern

1 definition found

sea tern - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Tern \Tern\ (t[~e]rn), n. [Dan. terne, t[ae]rne; akin to Sw.
     t[aum]rna, Icel. [thorn]erna; cf. NL. sterna.] (Zool.)
     Any one of numerous species of long-winged aquatic birds,
     allied to the gulls, and belonging to Sterna and various
     allied genera.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Terns differ from gulls chiefly in their graceful form,
           in their weaker and more slender bills and feet, and
           their longer and more pointed wings. The tail is
           usually forked. Most of the species are white with the
           back and wings pale gray, and often with a dark head.
           The common European tern (Sterna hirundo) is found
           also in Asia and America. Among other American species
           are the arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea), the roseate
           tern (Sterna Dougalli), the least tern (Sterna Antillarum
           ), the royal tern (Sterna maxima), and the
           sooty tern (Sterna fuliginosa).
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Hooded tern. See Fairy bird, under Fairy.
  
     Marsh tern, any tern of the genus Hydrochelidon. They
        frequent marshes and rivers and feed largely upon insects.
        
  
     River tern, any tern belonging to Seena or allied genera
        which frequent rivers.
  
     Sea tern, any tern of the genus Thalasseus. Terns of this
        genus have very long, pointed wings, and chiefly frequent
        seas and the mouths of large rivers.
        [1913 Webster]