White Tern

The White Tern or common white tern (Gygis alba) is a medium-sized seabird with white overall plumage. The white tern can be found all along the eastern and southern coasts of Asia, from China to India, South Maldives, the islands of the Indian Ocean, and the coast of South Africa. Its range also extends over the Pacific Ocean, from the coasts of Chile and Colombia to New Zealand. It is also sporadically found in Mexico, Japan, Madagascar, Madagascar, and on a few islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a pelagic and epipelagic bird that inhabits coastal areas year-round and moves into forested areas during the breeding season.

A white tern's wingspan ranges from 76 to 87 cm. It has a large, black bill and white plumage. The white tern nests on coral islands, typically on trees with thin branches, but it can also be found on rocky ledges and man-made buildings. It feeds on small fish that it captures by diving. On Fregate Island in Seychelles, huge tortoises were seen stalking the bird. It is a long-lived bird, having been recorded living for 42 years.