- Sternula balaenarum
Sterna balaenarum
Identification
23cm.
- Pale grey back
- All black cap when breeding
- Downcurved bill
- White forehead and crown when not breeding
Distribution
Western South Africa, Namibia and Angola. Migrating birds are found in Benin, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo.
Taxonomy
Monotypic.
This species was formerly placed in the genus Sterna
Habitat
Shallow seas, shorelines, and coastal saline lagoons.
Behaviour
It nests in dunes; 1-2 eggs are laid.
Vocalisation
A high pitched tsit-tit repeated several times, and tit-tit.
References
Wikipedia; Krugerpark.co.za
