Colours
Distinguishing features
It is a small tern that is blue-grey above with pale grey
head, underbody and underwings. The tail is short and deeply forked. The bill, eye and legs are black and the feet are black with paler webs. Individuals have large, black eyes with a ring around them. Juveniles are very similar to adults but may be distinguished by their brownish colouration on upper parts, especially the crown. The sexes are alike and there is no plumage variation during breeding season. (Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW)
Size
- From 25 cm to 30 cm (Length of specimen)
Weight
- From 0.17 kg to 0.285 kg
Wingspan
- From 46 cm to 61 cm
Synonyms
Similar taxa
Distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It is found in American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga (Niua), Tuvalu and Hawaii. It has occurred as a vagrant in Australia and Japan. Its natural habitat is open, shallow seas in tropical and subtropical regions. (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.