What Is A Tern?

A tern is a fast-flying coastal bird which is found in tropical and sub-tropical zones. Terns belong to the Sternidae family. It basically includes 42 species. The pattern of the terns is willowy. They have long and pointed wings. In general, the colouration of the terns is the combination of white, grey and black. The usual feeding of terns consists of fish, small squid, and large invertebrates. It may also include amphibians and large insects. Terns vary in their sizes. The smallest tern is known as little tern, scientifically known as Sterna albifrons. The size of this tern is not more than 23 cm. On the other hand, the name of the largest tern is Caspian tern, scientifically known as Hydroprogne caspia. The size of this tern is approximately 50 cm. Some of the other species of tern are –
• Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea)
• Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri)
• Roseate tern (Sterna dougallii)
• Royal tern (Thalasseus maximus)

Few of the terns have become scarce in natural world. They are –

• Black-fronted tern (Chlidonias albostriatus)
• Black-bellied tern (Sterna acuticauda)
• Chinese crested tern Sterna bernsteini)
• Kerguelen tern (Sterna vigrata)