White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata striata)

A few of these dark-billed terns were sitting on an offshore rock. The name "White-fronted" refers to their white forehead. Although still quite common in New Zealand, it has reportedly declined in recent years. Clements/eBird and HBW recognize three subspecies, but IOC, HANZAB and H&M4 consider the species to be monotypic. Proposed racial differences are slight with S. s. aucklandorna supposedly longer billed and heavier than nominate.