Atlantic White-Tern
NameAtlantic White-Tern
Common NameWhite Tern
Scientific NameGygis alba
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)30.5
Weight (g)118.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is entirely pure white across the body, wings, and tail. The eyes are notably large and black, and the bill is slender, pointed, and black. The legs and feet are also dark.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet bird, but it produces soft, high-pitched 'chee-chee-chee' or 'kree-kree' calls, particularly when disturbed or around nesting colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across tropical and subtropical oceans globally, including islands in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It is often found on remote oceanic islands and atolls.
Identifying Featurespure white plumage, large black eyes, slender black bill, graceful buoyant flight, nests on bare surfaces
Description
This small, elegant seabird is characterized by its entirely pure white plumage, contrasting with large, dark black eyes and a slender black bill. It is known for its graceful, buoyant flight and often nests on bare branches or rock crevices without building a traditional nest.
