White-winged (Black) Tern Chlidonias leucopterus

The White-winged Tern, also called the White-winged Black Tern, breeds from southern Europe to Central Asia, migrating south to Africa/India/Australia to winter.

Like the Black Tern, it is found on freshwater lakes and marshes. The adult has a black body, head and part underwing with a white rump, vent, top wing and tail.

The bird shown here is a juvenile in Hertfordshire, UK as late as September. It appears to have a patch missing from its wing and may continue to stay in the vicinity until flight feathers have regrown to allow its long arduous journey south.