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White Fronted Tern
Tara
Sterna striata
Our most common tern, there usually is a small group between
Ulva and Goat Island off Sydney Cove. And they can be seen
feeding virtually everywhere close to the shore. They are a
busy squabbling bird when onshore in their colony, and very
busy feeders, especially over "boil ups" around headlands.
The "White Fronted" refers to the white bar between the beak and black cap.
Juveniles lack the cap, and have quite mottled plumage.
Superficially similar to Black Billed Gulls, their flight is quite different, as are feeding patterns.
Size 280 mm
The "White Fronted" refers to the white bar between the beak and black cap.
Juveniles lack the cap, and have quite mottled plumage.
Superficially similar to Black Billed Gulls, their flight is quite different, as are feeding patterns.
Size 280 mm
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White Fronted Tern. We call this call the "giggle" and birds will make it "solo" or when in a group, at rest or flying |
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Colonies. Terns favour living in colonies, and these can be quite large, busy and noisy affairs. |
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Colonies. These are usually on rocky headlands, but if sheltered waters can be quite low to the sea. |
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photos on this site courtesy
Gilbert van Reenen, Cleangreen Images,
Ivan Tait, Peter Tait.