Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida)

Description

The Whiskered Tern is a medium-sized water bird belonging to the Laridae family. It stands out due to its elegant appearance, long and pointed wings, graceful flight, and distinctive coloration.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size: 24-28 cm in length

  • Wingspan: 60-70 cm

  • Weight: 110-140 g

  • Plumage: During the breeding season, adults have a contrasting black head, white cheeks, gray back, and white underparts. Outside the breeding season, the head becomes whitish, while the underparts remain light-colored.

  • Beak: Slim, pointed, reddish with a dark tip.

  • Legs: Red, adapted for walking on marshy surfaces and floating on water.

Habitat and Distribution

The Whiskered Tern is a characteristic species of wetland areas, preferring lakes, lagoons, marshes, and canals with abundant vegetation. It is found in southern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, with migratory populations wintering in tropical regions.

Presence in Romania

In Romania, the Whiskered Tern is a summer species, mainly found in the Danube Delta and wetland areas of Dobrogea. It nests in colonies on floating vegetation, reeds, or small sandy islands.

Behavior

  • Feeding: It feeds on aquatic insects, small fish, and crustaceans, which it catches through low-altitude flights above the water.

  • Reproduction: Builds floating nests or nests on surface vegetation. Lays 2-4 eggs, incubated by both parents.

  • Migration: A migratory species, arriving in spring and leaving in autumn for wintering areas in Africa.

Conservation Status

The global population is considered stable, but habitat destruction and pollution are major threats to this species. In Romania, it is protected by legislation and found in protected natural areas.

Interesting Facts

  • Whiskered Terns are excellent fliers, capable of hovering above the water to catch prey.

  • Unlike gulls, they are more agile and prefer calmer waters for feeding.

  • Tern colonies are often mixed, with other species of water birds.

This species plays an important role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems and serves as an indicator of wetland habitat quality.

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