White-Winged Tern
Chlidonias leucopterus
Aves › Charadriiformes › Laridae › Chlidonias
Conservation status: least_concern
This species is a type of tern that mainly eats insects and small fish. In flight, its wing-beats are shallow and leisurely.
How To Identify
This medium-sized tern is distinguished by its stark white flight feathers, which contrast against a generally paler grey or dusky body plumage. The wingspan is characteristic of the Charadriidae family, giving it an elegant look in flight.
Habitat
It typically inhabits shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, river deltas, and wetland areas with abundant vegetation and open water for feeding.
Behaviour
These terns are highly social birds that often feed in flocks, performing synchronized aerial maneuvers and cooperative feeding displays over water.
Native Range
The White-winged Tern is generally found in or near bodies of fresh water across much of the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Did You Know?
White-winged Terns are remarkably agile fliers that can hover and pluck small fish from the water's surface with precision, sometimes feeding while still in flight. Despite their delicate appearance, they undertake impressive long-distance migrations between Asia and Africa.
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