Photo Credit: Rick Snider

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Black Tern

Black Tern with chicks. Photo credit: Dana Cofell

Chilidonias niger

Species at Risk Status

Federal Government status: Not at risk

Provincial Government status: Special Concern

Have you seen this species at risk? Report your sighting.

Description

Small, 25 cm, boldly marked tern with black head, chest and belly.
Wings slate grey with black wing tips.
Tail slate grey with white underneath.
Bill is black. Legs dark red
Sexes appear similar.

Habits and Reproduction

Floating nests in loose colonies in shallow mainly cattail marshes
Monogamous and breeds at 2 yrs of age.
Typically 2-3 eggs are laid late May to early July.
Migrate to north coast of South America and return early May.
Eats mainly insects picked off while hovering above the water surface and also other aquatic invertebrates and small fish.

Habitat

Mainly found on the Great Lakes in coastal marshes.
Wetland loss, water pollution, and disturbance of nesting areas by boat traffic.

Threats

Wetland loss, water pollution, and disturbance of nesting areas by boat traffic.

Conservation Actions

Please operate watercraft with care. Slowing down to a “no wake” speed is important near wetlands.
This bird is protected under the Migratory Bird Act.
Consider participating in the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program

Range Map