Grey-backed Tern
Onychoprion lunatus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="onychoprion-lunatus"></birdfyi-bird>The Grey-backed Tern (Onychoprion lunatus) is a bird species in the family Laridae (gulls & terns), within the order Charadriiformes (shorebirds & gulls). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 52.2 cm and a weight of 126.2 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
Grey-backed Tern, 35–37 cm, is a Pacific seabird breeding on islands from Hawaii to Micronesia and Polynesia. Pale grey back distinguishes it from the similar Bridled Tern; white below with black cap. Piscivore; surface-dips and shallow plunge-dives. Largely pelagic when not breeding.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 52.2 cm | 20.6 in |
| Weight | 126.21666666666665 g | 4.45 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 24-35 days. Fledging: 35 days.
Clutch Size
1
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls) |
| Family | Laridae (Gulls & Terns) |
| Genus | Onychoprion |
| Species | Onychoprion lunatus |
Distribution
Grey-backed Tern has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Grey-backed Tern endangered?
How does the Grey-backed Tern nest?
How big is the Grey-backed Tern?
What order and family does the Grey-backed Tern belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Laridae family