terns

Terns are small to medium seabirds in the subfamily Sterninae of the family Laridae, closely related to gulls. They have slender bodies, long pointed wings, and a sharp, straight bill. Many species possess a contrasting dark cap, pale underparts, and grey or black upperparts. Terns are known for their elegant, fast flight and habit of diving for fish.

Terns occur worldwide, occupying coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and large inland lakes. They typically breed in colonies on beaches, islands, or cliff ledges with relatively open exposure. Most species are migratory, spending the non-breeding season in warmer regions and returning to breeding areas in spring.

Diet consists almost entirely of small fish and a few crustaceans. Many terns catch prey by plunge diving from a height or by hovering briefly before a dive. They are highly aerial and often perform patrols and aerial displays during courtship and territorial defense.

Breeding involves ground nests or shallow scrapes, often lined with vegetation. Clutch size ranges from one to three eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and feeding duties. Chicks fledgl e after several weeks and may form creches with other young birds while parents forage around the colony.

Conservation status varies by species. Terns face threats from habitat loss, human disturbance at nesting sites, fisheries bycatch, pollution, and changes in prey availability due to overfishing and climate change. Several species are monitored and protected, with management actions including protected breeding sites and the creation of artificial nest habitats.