Locally fairly common in summer. Breeds on sandy beaches just above tide line. Adapted to dredge spoils and other sandy sites near food (small fish) through necessity. Noisy: ‘squeaky-toy’ voice often heard before seen. ID: Strikingly small compared to other terns. Big-headed and thick-necked with narrow-based long wings strongly angled back. Deep wingbeats (‘at 100mph’) all create distinctive appearance even at long distance. Ad br: obvious white forehead and long yellow bill. Nonbr (Aug–Mar) and 1st-s (retain old outer primaries): different head pattern, darker bill, and dark carpal bar on upperwing. Juv: pale-fringed dark coverts contrast with pale inner primaries and secondaries — like a mini SAGU. Size and movement always obvious.