Sooty Tern
Sooty Tern
100
2 days ago
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Spotted
The Sooty Tern is a large, dark-backed tropical tern with a striking white forehead patch and long, pointed wings. Like its close relatives, it is a highly pelagic species of the open ocean.
Where to spot
Found across tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They breed in massive colonies on remote islands.
How to spot
Look for its distinct sooty-brown upperparts that sharply contrast with its white underparts and a prominent white forehead. In colonies, listen for their characteristic 'wide-awake' call, which gives them their other common name.
When to spot
Most easily observed during their breeding season, which varies by region but typically spans from spring to autumn, when they form immense colonies on islands. Otherwise, they are almost exclusively found offshore.
Where to spot
Found across tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They breed in massive colonies on remote islands.
How to spot
Look for its distinct sooty-brown upperparts that sharply contrast with its white underparts and a prominent white forehead. In colonies, listen for their characteristic 'wide-awake' call, which gives them their other common name.
When to spot
Most easily observed during their breeding season, which varies by region but typically spans from spring to autumn, when they form immense colonies on islands. Otherwise, they are almost exclusively found offshore.
Credits:
By patrickkavanagh - Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscatus), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74708784
Sooty Terns are legendary for their endurance; they can remain at sea for several years without touching land, even sleeping while flying by resting one half of their brain at a time.
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- 176 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 2 days ago
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