New Jersey Scuba Diving

Common Tern

Terns are smaller and more graceful in flight than gulls. The Common Tern Sterna hirundo (right) grows to 14", wingspan 31". Their forked tails make it easy to differentiate terns from Laughing Gulls, which also have black heads.

Terns are found in the same habitats as gulls, that is to say, just about anywhere near water. Their call is a common sound along waterfronts everywhere.

Scallops

Scallops can swim in spurts by clapping their shells. Water is ejected backward through openings on either side of the hinge, propelling the scallop in the opposite direction - surprising to see for the first time. When not jetting around, they settle into evenly-spaced shallow pits in the sand.

The Deep Sea Scallop Placopecten magellanicus (right) grows to 8" and is found offshore, generally in water over 100' deep. The smaller but equally edible Bay Scallop Aquipecten irradians, to 3", is found in bays and protected shallow waters. The Bay Scallop has a deeply ribbed shell, while the Deep Sea Scallop has many tiny ribs.

More: Scallops ...

Common Tern

Sea Birds

Scallops