Sterna striata
White-fronted Tern
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Charadriiformes
Family
Laridae
Genus
Sterna
Species
Sterna striata
Status
least concern
Colours
Distinguishing features
Distinguishing features still need to be specified.
Size
- Up to 41 cm (Length of specimen)
Wingspan
- Wingspan data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It is the most common tern of New Zealand. Breeding is between October and January in large colonies on rocky cliffs and offshore islands. Originally this occurred only in New Zealand, but since 1979 they have also bred on islands in Bass Strait, north of Tasmania. Many of the birds winter in south-eastern Australia, especially juveniles. (Wikipedia)
Local abundance
- Australia: Many of these birds winter in south-eastern Australia, especially juveniles. Since 1979 they have also been breeding on some islands in Bass Strait. (Wikipedia)
- Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand: abundant
Diet
They feed in large flocks by plunge diving on shoals of smelt and pilchards which have been driven to the surface by larger fish and are easily caught. Like all terns they fly with their heads and bills pointing down to see their prey. (Wikipedia)
Web resources
References
- Simpson, K., N. Day and P. Trusler (2004). Field Guide to Birds of Australia: 7th Edition Penguin Group (Australia), Camberwell, Victoria.