Fairy Tern
Sternula nereis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="sternula-nereis"></birdfyi-bird>The Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) is a bird species in the family Laridae (gulls & terns), within the order Charadriiformes (shorebirds & gulls). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 35.6 cm and a weight of 68.5 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Vulnerable.
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About
Fairy Tern, 22–25 cm, breeds in southern Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia on sandy beaches. White and pale grey with an orange-yellow bill; delicate and buoyant in flight. Piscivore; hovers and plunge-dives in shallow coastal and estuarine waters. Vulnerable due to beach disturbance.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 35.6 cm | 14.0 in |
| Weight | 68.5 g | 2.42 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 20-25 days. Fledging: 22-23 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls) |
| Family | Laridae (Gulls & Terns) |
| Genus | Sternula |
| Species | Sternula nereis |
Distribution
Fairy Tern has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fairy Tern endangered?
How does the Fairy Tern nest?
How big is the Fairy Tern?
What order and family does the Fairy Tern belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Laridae family