Little White-Tern
NameLittle White-Tern
Common NameWhite Tern
Scientific NameGygis alba
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)115
Plumage DetailsAdults are entirely pure white, contrasting sharply with their large, dark black eyes. The bill is slender and black, sometimes with a bluish base, and the legs and feet are also black.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of soft, high-pitched 'chee-chee-chee' or 'kree-kree' calls, often given in flight or when communicating with mates.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across tropical and subtropical oceans, including the Pacific, Indian, and South Atlantic. It breeds on numerous remote oceanic islands.
Identifying Featurespure white plumage, large black eyes, slender black bill, no nest building (lays egg on bare surface)
Description
The White Tern is a small, ethereal seabird known for its pure white plumage, large black eyes, and slender black bill. It exhibits a unique nesting behavior, laying a single egg directly on bare tree branches or rock ledges without constructing a nest.
