Scientific name: Sterna bergii
The swift tern (greater crested tern) is a large tern with a long (5.4–6.5 cm, 2.1–2.6 in) yellow bill, black legs, and a glossy black crest that is noticeably shaggy at its rear. The forehead and the underparts are white, the back and inner wings are dusky-grey. In winter, the upperparts plumage wears to a paler grey, and the crown of the head becomes white, merging at the rear into a peppered black crest and mask.
In southern Africa it is common along the entire coastline of the region, generally preferring lagoons, estuaries, coastal islands and exposed ocean beaches.
Mainly eats pelagic schooling fish, doing most of its foraging within sight of land, plunge-diving or dipping into the sea to catch prey.
