What is a tern?

A tern is a type of bird that belongs to the family Sternidae. They are seabirds that are found worldwide and are known for their distinctive long pointed wings and forked tails. Terns are known for their graceful flight and their ability to dive into the water to catch fish.

Terns are migratory birds and can travel long distances each year to breed and feed. They are found in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, estuaries, and offshore islands. Terns also exhibit interesting animal behavior such as mobbing, where they group together to defend themselves or their nests from predators, and kleptoparasitism, where they steal food from other birds.

A tern is a medium-sized seabird in the family Sternidae. There are about 40 species of terns, found worldwide in both temperate and tropical regions. Terns are characterized by their long, forked tails, narrow wings, long, pointed bills, and relatively short legs. Most species are pale gray above and white below, with a contrasting black cap to the head, but the marsh terns, the Inca tern, and some noddies have dark plumage for at least part of the year.

Terns are typically found near the sea, rivers, or wetlands. They are excellent flyers and can often be seen soaring high overhead or gliding low over the water. Terns are primarily fish-eaters, and they use their long, pointed bills to spear their prey from the water.

Terns are gregarious birds and often nest in colonies. They build their nests on the ground, on rocks, or in trees. Most species lay two or three eggs, which hatch after about two weeks. The young terns are fed by their parents for about a month before they are ready to fly.

Terns are long-lived birds and can live for up to 30 years. They are an important part of the marine ecosystem and help to keep populations of fish in check. However, terns are also threatened by a number of factors, including habitat loss, pollution, and predation by introduced mammals.

Here are some interesting facts about terns:

• The Arctic tern is the longest-distance migrant of any bird. It breeds in the Arctic and winters in the Antarctic, traveling a distance of up to 25,000 miles each year.
• The common tern is the most widespread species of tern. It can be found on all continents except Antarctica.
• The Inca tern is the only tern that nests in trees. It is found in Peru and Chile.
• Terns are often used as symbols of good luck. In ancient Egypt, they were associated with the goddess Isis.
• In the United States, terns are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.