The terns are amongst the most graceful of all waterbirds, inhabiting coasts, open sea, marshes, lakes and rivers. Most species are gregarious and colonial, and many are highly migratory, undertaking some of the longest migrations of all birds. This text by Claudia Wilds, who spent many years studying these difficult birds, has been completed by another tern specialist, Joe DiConstanzo, and is complemented by 32 colour plates by artist Christopher Schmidt.