Bridled Tern
Onychoprion anaethetus
NativeStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Bridled Tern (*Onychoprion anaethetus*) is a widespread tropical seabird found in warm ocean waters around northern Australia and across the globe. Most of its life is spent far from land, soaring over offshore waters and only coming ashore to breed on remote islands.
Fun Facts
The species name *anaethetus* comes from Greek, meaning “senseless” or “tame,” a reference to the bird’s approachability, which made it easy prey for sailors in the past.
1. White forehead patch and narrow white collar separate the black cap from brownish-grey upperparts
2. Pale grey-brown back and wings with white underparts and white-edged, deeply forked tail
3. Black bill and legs; juveniles are duller with a scaly pattern on the back
Bridled Terns breed on small rocky islands, coral cays, and exposed reefs across northern Australia and nearby regions. Outside the breeding season, they are almost exclusively found far offshore, often associated with floating Sargassum seaweed and marine debris, sometimes 5–13 kilometres from land. Sightings from shore are rare except during storms that drive them closer to land.
Physical Attributes
Height
31 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds68%
Top Locations
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