| Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus (aka Sterna fuscata) |
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Michaelmas Key, Queensland, Australia November 2010 The Sooty Tern breeds on oceanic islands of sand, coral or rock in tropical and sub-tropical waters around the world. They are rarely found in cold water areas. The islands have to be free of predators. |
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After the chicks have fledged all the birds leave the breeding colony and spend the next 3 months or so entirely at sea. They are rarely seen on the surface of the ocean and it is believed that they sleep on the wing. A few months before the next breeding season they roost at night on the island on which they will eventually breed. | |||
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Photo 1 shows an adult with a juvenile; photo 3 shows a typical nest site of flat, open sand; photo 5 shows a juvenile; and photo 6 shows a first summer bird with its dark chin, throat and upper breast. | |||
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