Black-naped Tern

The Black-naped Tern, Sterna sumatrana, presents a graceful silhouette, approximately 30 cm in length with a wingspan of 21-23 cm. This bird is characterized by its striking black nape, which contrasts with its white face and breast. The back and wings are a soft grayish-white, and the primary feathers exhibit a subtle gray hue. Notably, the beak and legs of this tern are black, accented with a distinctive yellow tip on the bill. The species is further adorned with a long, forked tail, adding to its elegant appearance.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Black-naped Tern, look for the combination of its black nape, white underparts, and the yellow-tipped black bill. The long, forked tail is also a key feature. In flight, the grayish-white coloration of the back and wings is prominent, and the bird's slender, streamlined body is easily observed.

Habitat

This oceanic tern is predominantly associated with tropical and subtropical marine environments. It is rarely encountered inland, preferring the open sea, coastlines, and island surroundings.

Distribution

The Black-naped Tern is widespread across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is found in regions ranging from the islands of the western Indian Ocean to the eastern Indian Ocean, through to the western Pacific and Australasia.

Behaviour

The Black-naped Tern is an oceanic bird, spending much of its life at sea. It is known for its agile flight and its ability to deftly pluck fish from the water's surface.

Breeding

There are two subspecies of the Black-naped Tern: S. s. mathewsi, which breeds on the islands of the western Indian Ocean, and S. s. sumatrana, found from the islands of the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific and Australasia.

Similar Species

While similar to other terns in general morphology, the Black-naped Tern can be distinguished by its unique coloration, particularly the black nape and the yellow-tipped bill.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Black-naped Tern consists mainly of fish, which it catches by skimming the ocean's surface or by performing shallow dives.

Conservation status

The Black-naped Tern is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This indicates that, at present, the species does not face an immediate threat of extinction in the wild.