White-fronted Tern

Fascinating facts about the White-fronted Tern

• Every year, 100,000 White-fronted Terns migrate 1,000 km from their breeding grounds in New Zealand to the coastal waters of Australia, a journey they complete in just 3-4 days, flying at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
• White-fronted Terns are skilled plunge divers, reaching speeds of 40 km/h as they dive from heights of up to 10 metres to catch fish, with some birds making over 600 dives per day.
• New Zealand's White-fronted Tern population has declined by 50% since the 1970s, with just 30,000 breeding pairs remaining, due to habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and climate change affecting their food supply.
• White-fronted Terns are highly social birds, with some colonies containing over 10,000 breeding pairs, and they are known to form long-term monogamous relationships, with many pairs staying together for up to 20 years.
• White-fronted Terns are able to drink saltwater because they have a special gland located above their eyes that filters out excess salt, allowing them to excrete it, a vital adaptation for a species that spends most of its life at sea, where freshwater is scarce.

At a glance

About the White-fronted Tern

The White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata), also known as the Tara, is a striking seabird characterized by its elegant silhouette, adorned with a distinct white forehead that contrasts sharply against its dark cap. This medium-sized tern exhibits a slender body with long, pointed wings and a sharp, slender bill, perfectly adapted for its acrobatic fishing style. Found predominantly along the coasts of New Zealand and nearby islands, these terns prefer sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, and estuarine environments where they can hunt for small fish. Their graceful flight and agile dives into the water create a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during the breeding season when they gather in colonies to nest on the ground, often on the flat, gravelly surfaces that offer some sanctuary from predators. As they soar above their territories, their black-tipped wings and white underparts glint in the sunlight, a reminder of their mastery over the marine realm. In terms of behavior, White-fronted Terns are known for their dynamic hunting techniques, often plunging headfirst into the water to catch fish, which they skillfully extract with their sharp beaks. Their diet primarily consists of small fish and crustaceans, which they locate through keen eyesight and rapid aerial maneuvers. One surprising trait of these terns is their strong site fidelity; they often return to the same breeding colonies year after year, showing a remarkable attachment to their nesting sites. This loyalty is particularly evident during the breeding season when the males perform elaborate courtship displays, showcasing their aerial prowess in a bid to attract mates. The combination of their striking appearance and captivating behaviors makes the White-fronted Tern a true jewel of the coastal ecosystems they inhabit, yet their future remains intertwined with the health of these environments.

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