White-fronted Tern
Sterna striata
The White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) is a uncommon skimmers, noddies, terns, and gull found in 2 countries, weighing about 129 g. The white-fronted tern, also known as tara, sea swallow, black-billed tern, kahawai bird, southern tern, or swallow tail, was first described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789.
About the White-fronted Tern
The white-fronted tern, also known as tara, sea swallow, black-billed tern, kahawai bird, southern tern, or swallow tail, was first described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789. A medium-sized tern with an all-white body including underwing and forked tail, with pale grey hues on the mantle and upper side of the wing. In breeding adults a striking black cap covers the head from forehead to nape, leaving a small white strip above the black bill.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-fronted tern is an average-sized tern; its dimensions are 35–43 cm (14–17 in) in length, with a wingspan between 79 and 82 cm (31 and 32 in); the male weighs on average 130 g (4.6 oz). Females are marginally smaller than males, but this is difficult to determine when observing individuals in the wild. Breaking down their monochromatic colouring, the white-fronted tern's lightest features are its all-white body, tail and underwing, with the upper side of the wings a light silvery-grey hue. Voice: A very dull crek is used in courtship when the male is flying above groups, individuals may respond with the same noise. When descending upon intruders, they will let out a continuous keark. Generally calling between individuals is a high-pitched siet used frequently during flight, it will be repeated over and over in particular intervals.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-fronted Tern?
- The white-fronted tern is an average-sized tern; its dimensions are 35–43 cm (14–17 in) in length, with a wingspan between 79 and 82 cm (31 and 32 in); the male weighs on average 130 g (4.6 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-fronted Tern?
- The White-fronted Tern is a medium sized bird weighing about 129 g.
- Where can you see a White-fronted Tern?
- The White-fronted Tern occurs in 2 countries, including New Zealand and Australia.
- What birds look similar to a White-fronted Tern?
- The White-fronted Tern is most easily confused with the Roseate Tern, the South American Tern and the Snowy-crowned Tern.
- Is the White-fronted Tern endangered?
- The White-fronted Tern is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-fronted Tern for real
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