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Black Tern

Chilidonias niger

COSEWIC Status: Not at risk

COSSARO Status: Special Concern

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

The committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada is a committee of experts who determine the national status of native species thought to be at risk of disappearing from Canada. Members include academics, specialists, Aboriginal people or government, & biologists.

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Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario

The committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario reviews the COSEWIC status reports for species that occur in Ontario, then makes recommendations on the appropriate provincial status of the species. Provincial status is identified on the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List.

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Species at Risk Status

Special Concern

This is a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

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Black Tern with chicks. Photo credit: Dana Cofell

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

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

Thanks to the official sponsors of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (Bird Studies Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Ontario Field Ornithologists, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) for supplying Atlas data, and to the thousands of volunteer participants who gathered data for the project.