Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensis
18.7816, -91.4921
Field Notes
Description:
The Sandwich Tern is a medium-large tern with grey upperparts, white underparts, a yellow-tipped black bill and a shaggy black crest which becomes less extensive in winter with a white crown.
Habitat:
This species breeds in very dense colonies on coasts and islands, and exceptionally inland on suitable large freshwater lakes close to the coast. It nests in a ground scrape and lays one to three eggs. Unlike some of the smaller white terns, it is not very aggressive toward potential predators, relying on the sheer density of the nests—often only 20–30 cm (8–12 in) apart— and nesting close to other more aggressive species such as Arctic Terns and Black-headed Gulls to avoid predation.
Reference Links:
Sandwich Tern
Species ID Suggestions
3
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 24, 2011
Comments (1)