Birds
File:Gygis alba (Ascension Island).jpg

White Tern

White Tern

100
6 months ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The White Tern, also known as the Fairy Tern, is an exquisite small seabird almost entirely pure white, with large black eyes and a delicate black bill. It is renowned for its graceful, buoyant flight and unique nesting habits. This species is an iconic inhabitant of tropical oceanic islands.
Where to spot
Widespread across tropical and subtropical oceans, including the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. Found on oceanic islands and atolls, rarely seen near continental landmasses.
How to spot
Spot its pure white plumage, contrasting with its black eye ring and short, pointed black bill. Look for its ethereal, buoyant flight over shallow reef waters. Observe them perched precariously on tree branches or rock ledges where they lay their egg.
When to spot
Year-round resident in its tropical island habitats. Breeding occurs throughout the year in many locations, though peaks may vary by region. Best observed during daylight hours as they gracefully fly around colonies.
File:Gygis alba (Ascension Island).jpg
File:Gygis alba Ascension Island 1.jpg
File:Gygis alba Ascension Island 3.jpg
File:White tern (Gygis alba candida) Rarotonga.jpg
File:White tern (Gygis alba candida) in flight Rarotonga.jpg
File:White tern (Gygis alba candida) in flight Rarotonga 2.jpg
File:Gygis alba (Ascension Island).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Gygis alba Ascension Island 1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Gygis alba Ascension Island 3.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White tern (Gygis alba candida) Rarotonga.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White tern (Gygis alba candida) in flight Rarotonga.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:White tern (Gygis alba candida) in flight Rarotonga 2.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
White Terns lay their single egg directly on a bare branch or rock crevice, without building any nest material, a highly unusual breeding strategy among birds.
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