0 present participle of patter --
1 to make the sound of a lot of things gently and repeatedly hitting a surface: --
Photographs of the specimen give possible indications of the color pattering with the costal area, narrow at the wing base and widening out at the midpoint a dark tone.
Pairs will also engage in a spectacular display, by rearing up and rushing across the surface of the water side by side, making a loud pattering sound with their feet.
It is essentially dark brown in all plumages, and has a fluttering flight, pattering on the water surface as it picks planktonic food items from the ocean surface.
Most species will occasionally feed by surface pattering, holding and moving their feet on the water's surface while holding steady above the water.
It feeds on small fish, squid and zooplankton while pattering on the sea's surface, and can find oily edible items by smell.
They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering or pattering across the water.
While partial the fore and hind wings still show some color pattering.
Turning to the right the performer again waves the left hand, maybe pattering that the audience should watch the hand closely (more misdirection).