White-fronted Tern
White-fronted Tern
100
1 week ago
Points:
100
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.
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.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
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.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 1383 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 1 week ago
Monthly observations
10 observations
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