Sterna

Sterna is a genus of seabirds in the family Laridae, commonly known as terns. Members of this genus are medium-sized, slender birds with long, pointed wings, deeply forked tails, and sharp, dagger-like bills. They are found worldwide along coastlines, islands, and inland seas, often favoring tidal flats, beaches, and lagoons.

Ecology and behavior: Sterna species feed mainly on fish, obtained by plunge-diving, surface dipping, or short pursuits over the water. They are highly aerial and agile at catching prey. They breed in colonies on beaches or rocky shores, constructing shallow scrapes or simple nests in open sand or vegetation. Eggs are typically camouflaged, and both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young, which are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching.

Migration and notable species: Most Sterna species are migratory, moving between breeding grounds and wintering areas. The Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) is renowned for its remarkable long-distance migrations between the Arctic and Antarctic, while the common tern (Sterna hirundo) and the roseate tern (Sterna dougallii) are widespread in temperate regions.

Taxonomy: Sterna is placed in the subfamily Larinae within the family Laridae. Taxonomic boundaries have varied over time, and some authorities have split several species into other genera, such as Thalasseus, leading to differences in species counts across classifications.

Conservation: Conservation status within Sterna varies by species and region. While some terns are widespread and abundant, others with restricted ranges or sensitive breeding sites face threats from habitat loss, human disturbance, and declines in prey availability. Protection of breeding colonies and monitoring of populations are common conservation measures.