Black-naped Tern

The black-naped tern is named from the black band beginning at the eyes connecting behind the head and descending the back of the neck. The rest of their plumage is white, with pale silvery-grey wings and mantle, apart from the outermost primary feather which has a narrow black outer web. The tail is white, and deeply forked, extending (like the related roseate and white-fronted terns) beyond the wingtips on perched birds. The beaks and legs are black. They have a body length of 30–35 cm and a wingspan of 66 cm. Adults weigh between 97 and 120 g. Hatchlings are mottled brown.

The black-naped tern inhabits rocky shores throughout the Western-Pacific and Indian oceans, migrating yearly to islets and islands serving as breeding grounds.

Like most terns, this species hunts by diving; they partially breach the surface of the water and directly capture their prey carrying it horizontally in their beak. Most hunt alone at sea, but hunt closer to shore in the surf when feeding nestlings and mates.

Diet. The diet consists of small fish up to 10 cm long, including those in families:

Atherinidae (hardyheads and sprats); Engraulidae (anchovies); Hemiramphidae (garfish); Exocoetidae (flying fish); Mugilidae (mullet); Sphyroenidae (barracudas); Carangidae (trevally or jacks); and Scombridae (tuna).