White-fronted Tern

The White-fronted Tern, Sterna striata, also known as tara or sea swallow, is a medium-sized tern with a graceful silhouette. It boasts an all-white body, including the underwing and forked tail, with subtle grey hues on the upper side of the wings. During the breeding season, adults are distinguished by a striking black cap that extends from the forehead to the nape, contrasted by a small white strip above the black bill.

Identification Tips

Adult White-fronted Terns are identifiable by their slender, ebony-like bills and deep forked tails, reminiscent of a swallow's tail. The black cap is a key feature during the breeding season, while non-breeding adults exhibit a receding cap. Juveniles and immature birds display mottled caps and a brownish cream coloration on the wings and tail.

Habitat

These terns are coastal dwellers, favoring New Zealand's entire coastline and smaller outlying islands. They are also found along the southeastern coast of Australia and parts of Tasmania, particularly during migration.

Distribution

The White-fronted Tern is the most abundant tern in New Zealand, with significant populations from Auckland to the Bay of Plenty and along the east coast of the South Island. They migrate to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, with some establishing breeding colonies on Flinders and Cape Barren Islands in the Bass Strait.

Behaviour

These terns are known for their unpredictable nature, especially during the breeding season when they do not consistently return to the same breeding sites. They are monogamous and exhibit elaborate courtship displays, including aerial acrobatics and fish offerings.

Song & Calls

The White-fronted Tern communicates with a variety of calls, including a dull "crek" during courtship, a high-pitched "siet" in flight, and a continuous "keark" when warding off intruders.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from October to January, with nests typically situated on rocky cliffs, offshore islands, or coastal areas. The nests are simple depressions in the ground, closely packed in large colonies. Eggs are variably colored and speckled, with both parents sharing incubation duties.

Similar Species

The White-fronted Tern can be confused with other tern species, but its all-white body, black cap, and forked tail are distinctive features that aid in identification.

Diet and Feeding

These terns primarily feed on small fish such as smelt and pilchards, often diving from heights of 3 to 10 meters to capture their prey. They are adept at feeding on shoaling fish, working in large flocks alongside other seabirds.

Conservation status

The White-fronted Tern is classified as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN and "At risk, declining" in New Zealand due to predation by introduced mammalian species and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are focused on mitigating these threats to stabilize and increase their populations.