Gulls and terns · Shorebirds
Whiskered Tern
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Chlidonias hybrida
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How to recognize it
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24–28 cm, like a small gull
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Black cap, white cheeks and throat
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Grey body, red bill and legs
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Call: "krekk", "ki-ik"
About the species
Whiskered Tern spends much of its time low over water, with a direct, purposeful flight and a loud, rough call that sounds like “krekk”. In breeding plumage it shows a dark cap and pale cheeks, but its habit of skimming marshes and reed-fringed waters is the detail most people notice first.
It breeds in colonies on inland marshes, often near other terns or even among black-headed gulls. It feeds by dipping down for small fish, insects, amphibians, and crustaceans, sometimes making repeated low passes over the water before striking.
Tropical populations stay put, while European and Asian whiskered terns move south for winter. In Europe it is tied to growing lakes, rivers, and marshes, and it returns to breeding areas in spring after spending the colder months in Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Where to find
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Along overgrown ponds, backwaters, and canals — especially where reed beds and floating leaves touch the water’s edge, Whiskered Tern hovers low and dives for prey.
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On muddy shores after a windy day — the loud krekk call carries over the shallows, followed by quick circles and short plunge-dives.
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In quiet river inlets and marshy city edges — in the morning it may hold position above reeds, scanning for small fish and insects.
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On broad waters with little islets of tussocks — a colony often gives itself away by restless low flight and frequent dips at the surface.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Chlidonias hybrida Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Whiskered tern Encyclopedia article