Sterna striata
The White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) is a medium-sized, elegant seabird, measuring 35-42 cm in length with a wingspan of 80-87 cm and weighing 150-200g. In its striking breeding plumage, it sports a crisp white forehead that sharply contrasts with a jet-black cap extending to the nape, pale grey upperparts, and pristine white underparts, complemented by a black bill and bright orange-red legs. A key identification field mark, especially during the breeding season, is this distinctive white...
Exclusively coastal and marine, breeding on offshore islands, sand spits, shingle banks, and rocky shores. It forages over the open sea, estuaries, and inshore waters, typically at sea level.
Primarily consumes small schooling fish like anchovies, sprats, and pilchards, occasionally supplementing its diet with crustaceans. Forages exclusively by plunge-diving.
White-fronted Terns are diurnal and highly social, often forming large communal roosts on beaches, sandbars, or rocky outcrops when not foraging. Their primary foraging strategy is aerial plunge-diving, where they spot small fish from the air and dive headfirst into the water, frequently exploiti...
The White-fronted Tern's geographical range is exclusively within the Australasian region. Its primary breeding grounds are along the coasts of New Zealand, encompassing the North, South, and Stewart Islands, along with numerous offshore islands. Smaller breeding colonies are also established on ...
Least Concern
- The White-fronted Tern is an Australasian endemic, predominantly found in New Zealand and southeastern Australia. - It earns the local name 'Kahawai Bird' in New Zealand because it frequently follows schools of Kahawai fish to feed on the baitfish they drive to the surface. - These terns are hy...