Fairy Tern
Fairy Tern
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The Fairy Tern is a small, delicate tern found along the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. It is characterized by its white forehead and underparts, black cap, and yellow bill, differing from the White Tern (Gygis alba) which is also sometimes called Fairy Tern. It prefers sheltered coastal waters and estuaries.
Where to spot
Endemic to Australia and New Zealand. Found along sheltered coastlines, estuaries, and bays with sandy beaches, especially on offshore islands.
How to spot
Identify by its small size, white forehead contrasting with a black cap, yellow bill, and white underparts. Observe its hovering flight followed by shallow plunge-dives for small fish. Be aware of its highly vulnerable nesting sites on beaches.
When to spot
Resident year-round in much of its range. Breeding occurs during the austral summer (September-February). Best observed during daylight hours when foraging along coastal shallows or near nesting colonies.
Where to spot
Endemic to Australia and New Zealand. Found along sheltered coastlines, estuaries, and bays with sandy beaches, especially on offshore islands.
How to spot
Identify by its small size, white forehead contrasting with a black cap, yellow bill, and white underparts. Observe its hovering flight followed by shallow plunge-dives for small fish. Be aware of its highly vulnerable nesting sites on beaches.
When to spot
Resident year-round in much of its range. Breeding occurs during the austral summer (September-February). Best observed during daylight hours when foraging along coastal shallows or near nesting colonies.
Fairy Terns are known to nest on open sand beaches, making their nests highly vulnerable to human disturbance and coastal development.
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