Birds
File:Sterna striata, Kaiaua, Firth Of Thames, Waikato, New Zealand 3.jpg

White-fronted Tern

White-fronted Tern

100
7 hours ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The White-fronted Tern is a common and widespread tern of New Zealand and parts of Australia, characterized by its white forehead and black cap. It is an agile flyer and a skilled plunge-diver, feeding on small fish and invertebrates. This species is often seen in large coastal flocks.
Where to spot
Endemic to New Zealand, breeding widely around the North and South Islands. Non-breeding birds disperse along the coasts of Australia, especially Tasmania. Found on sandy beaches, estuaries, and offshore islands.
How to spot
Look for its distinct white forehead patch contrasting with a black cap, grey upperparts, and white underparts. Note its long, pointed black bill. Observe its buoyant flight, often hovering before plunge-diving for fish. Scan coastal areas for large resting or breeding flocks.
When to spot
Breeding occurs during the austral spring and summer (September-February). Non-breeding birds are more widespread along Australian coasts during the austral winter. Best observed during daylight hours along coastlines.
File:Sterna striata, Kaiaua, Firth Of Thames, Waikato, New Zealand 3.jpg
File:Sterna striata 257532308.jpg
File:Sterna striata 57066188.jpg
File:Sterna striata on Paratahi Island.jpg
File:White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) (8079598995).jpg
File:White-fronted terns (Sterna striata) at Takapuna.jpg
File:White Fronted Tern (Sterna striata) Maori, Tara.jpg
File:White Fronted Tern (Sterna striata) Maori, Tara (6).jpg
File:Sterna striata, Kaiaua, Firth Of Thames, Waikato, New Zealand 3.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Sterna striata 257532308.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Sterna striata 57066188.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Sterna striata on Paratahi Island.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) (8079598995).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White-fronted terns (Sterna striata) at Takapuna.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White Fronted Tern (Sterna striata) Maori, Tara.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White Fronted Tern (Sterna striata) Maori, Tara (6).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
White-fronted Terns are known for forming very dense breeding colonies, sometimes with thousands of birds nesting closely together on sandy beaches or small islands.
Loading...

Spotted

Recently spotted
2939 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
7 hours ago

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

File:Sternula superciliaris.jpg
100

Yellow-billed Tern

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Saundersilarus saundersi 1513813.jpg
100

Saunders's Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Saunders's Tern (Sternula saundersi), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.jpg
100

Saunders's Tern

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
ivoormeeuw op sneeuw
95

Ivory Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
brilstern op een hek
100

Bridled Tern

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:OnychoprionLunatus.jpg
100

Gray-backed Tern

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Larus schistisagus, Rebun Island, Hokkaido.jpg
95

Slaty-backed Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
lachmeeuw aan de waterkant
95

Laughing Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Ichthyaetus hemprichii, Nabq, South Sinai, Egypt 1 (Cropped).jpg
100

Sooty Gull

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
File:Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion aleuticus) (27338243973).jpg
100

Aleutian Tern

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers