Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensis
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Thalasseus sandvicensis
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Mass
~200 g
Habitat
Marine
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Sandwich Tern looks pale and neat, with a slim black bill tipped in yellow and a black shaggy crest at the back of the head. In flight it reads as a very light, airy shape with long wings and quick, easy movement.
It is loud and restless around the colony, with constant calling and tight spacing between nests. It feeds by plunge-diving from the air, mostly on small fish, and also takes marine worms, molluscs, and insects.
It favours coasts, small islands, and shallow waters with plenty of food. In Central Europe it is present from March to September, then moves to wintering grounds around the coasts of Africa, India, and Sri Lanka.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Sandwich Tern looks pale and neat, with a slim black bill tipped in yellow and a black shaggy crest at the back of the head. In flight it reads as a very light, airy shape with long wings and quick, easy movement.
It is loud and restless around the colony, with constant calling and tight spacing between nests. It feeds by plunge-diving from the air, mostly on small fish, and also takes marine worms, molluscs, and insects.
It favours coasts, small islands, and shallow waters with plenty of food. In Central Europe it is present from March to September, then moves to wintering grounds around the coasts of Africa, India, and Sri Lanka.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Thalasseus sandvicensis Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Sandwich tern Encyclopedia article