White-winged Tern

The White-winged Tern, Chlidonias leucopterus, is a diminutive member of the Laridae family, gracing fresh water bodies across the globe with its presence. This species, akin to a swallow in its flight, bears the scientific genus name derived from the Ancient Greek 'khelidonios'. The bird is recognized by its contrasting plumage, which varies with the seasons, and its relatively short red legs and bill.

Identification Tips

In the summer, adult White-winged Terns exhibit a striking black neck and belly, complemented by a very dark grey back and a white rump. Their tail is light grey and may appear almost square in juveniles. The wings, true to the bird's name, are predominantly white, with the inner wing displaying a greyish hue with brown-tipped coverts. During the non-breeding season, the black is largely supplanted by white or pale grey, with the head remaining black, marked by a white forehead. A dark triangular patch is noted forward of the eye, and the collar is a conspicuous white. Juveniles and moulting adults show a pale grey rump, with the mantle feathers and scapulars tipped in paler brown.

Habitat

The White-winged Tern favors freshwater marshes for breeding, from southeast Europe to Central Asia and the Russian Far East. They typically nest on floating vegetation or very close to the water's edge.

Distribution

These terns are migratory, wintering in Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. They are considered scarce vagrants in North America, with sightings mainly along the Atlantic coast but also reported on the Pacific coast and in the Great Lakes region.

Behaviour

Unlike their "white" (Sterna) tern relatives, White-winged Terns do not dive for fish but rather delicately pick items from the water's surface and catch insects mid-flight. Their wing-beats are shallow and unhurried when in flight.

Song & Calls

The White-winged Tern communicates with a repertoire of calls, particularly during the breeding season, which are essential for social interaction and mating rituals.

Breeding

These terns lay 2-4 eggs in nests constructed from small reed stems and other vegetation. The nests are either built on floating marsh vegetation or very close to water.

Similar Species

The White-winged Tern can be confused with the Black Tern, especially when considering hybrid individuals that exhibit characteristics of both species.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists mainly of insects and small fish, which they gather by skimming over water surfaces or capturing in flight.

Conservation status

The White-winged Tern is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.