Sterna repressa
The White-cheeked Tern, *Sterna repressa*, is an elegant, medium-sized seabird known for its striking plumage and coastal habits. Measuring approximately 23-28 cm in length with a wingspan of 46-56 cm and weighing around 80-100 grams, adults display a sleek, dark grey mantle and wings, contrasting sharply with pristine white underparts. Its most distinctive feature, and the source of its common name, is the brilliant white cheek patch set against a deep black cap, which extends to the nape. T...
Primarily coastal and marine, inhabiting shallow tropical and subtropical waters, including coral reefs, sandy beaches, lagoons, and rocky islets. Nests colonially on low-lying islands and coasts.
Primarily piscivorous, feeding on small fish found in shallow coastal waters. They also consume crustaceans and other marine invertebrates.
White-cheeked Terns are highly social birds, often forming dense colonies during the breeding season, sometimes in mixed aggregations with other tern species. Their daily activity centers around foraging for fish, which they accomplish through graceful plunge-diving: hovering over the water befor...
The White-cheeked Tern has a widespread distribution across the tropical and subtropical coastal regions of the Old World. Its primary breeding range extends along the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Aden, and eastward across the coasts of Oman, Yemen, Iran, Pakistan, and parts of the Indian subco...
Least Concern
- The White-cheeked Tern is exclusively found in the Old World, making it a key species for birders in the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, and parts of the Indian Ocean. - Unlike many long-distance migrant terns, the White-cheeked Tern is considered a short-distance migrant or disperser, largely remaining...