The Common Tern comes back to the Falmouth coast each spring from the north coast of South America. Common Terns are a bit more scarce today compared to years ago. Careful protection, management, and restoration of nesting colonies located around Buzzards Bay have allowed populations to gradually increase, but the Common Tern remains a Species of Special Concern in Massachusetts.  Breeding adults have light gray upperparts, paler gray underparts, a black cap, orange legs and feet, and a black-tipped orange bill. The Roseate Tern is also similar in size, but has a mostly or entirely black bill during the breeding season and much paler gray upperparts.