Witwangstern met kuiken op een nest in een waterrijke omgeving

Whiskered Tern

2 months ago door Eline Pomstra

Points: 75

Spotted

The Whiskered Tern is a graceful tern of inland wetlands, known for its distinctive dark belly and white 'whiskers' (malar stripe) in breeding plumage. It flies with buoyant, almost butterfly-like wingbeats.

Where to spot

Found in freshwater marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across Southern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

How to spot

In breeding plumage, look for the dark grey belly and the prominent white 'whiskers' on its face. In non-breeding plumage, it resembles other marsh terns but retains a dark patch behind the eye. Observe its characteristic dipping flight over water.

When to spot

Best observed during their breeding season from spring to summer in temperate regions. They are present year-round in tropical parts of their range, with populations in colder areas being migratory.

Where to spot

Found in freshwater marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across Southern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

How to spot

When to spot

Best observed during their breeding season from spring to summer in temperate regions. They are present year-round in tropical parts of their range, with populations in colder areas being migratory.

Credits: Door Marek Szczepanek - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92557

Unlike many terns that plunge-dive, Whiskered Terns primarily forage by dipping for insects and small fish directly from the water's surface while in flight.

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