River Tern - Photograph by Ron Saldino

River Tern (Sterna aurantia) is a common but declining breeding resident in Haryana. This bird is found in the wetlands and near river banks.   Order: CICONIIFORMES   Family: Sternini   Size: 45 cm   Local Name: Ganga Cheel

Identification: Sexes alike. Pale grey and white bird with pointed, bright yellow bill. The tail is 'swallow like' and deeply forked. Short red legs.

Habits: Generally a solitary bird it is also found in twos and threes. Flying in flocks, up and down over wetlands for foraging, feeds by plunging from a height with wings pulled in.