This species is similar to the herring gull, but smaller and slimmer. Its eyes are completely dark, its upper side is grey; its bill is small and greenish- yellow, as are its legs.
This species also rests frequently on cliffs. It keeps to reed beds and fens, mostly inland. It is easily recognized by its dark face. It has its own display in the exhibition.
The common and Arctic terns are the most prevalent of all the terns. They prefer open shores along seas or inland lakes. They are slender birds with short necks, short legs and very long tail feathers. The bill and the legs are deep red. Some Arctic terns can be seen in the display on coastal meadows.