Whiskered Tern

Afrikaans name: Witbaard-meerswael

Photo © Riaan van den Berg - Fotolia.com

Chlidonias hybrida

The Whiskered Tern travels a long way to visit South Africa in summer. It can be found in wetlands and moist grasslands where it breeds.

They make their nest above the water which helps protect them from predators. Up to 4 eggs are laid.

The Whiskered Tern feeds mainly on fish and other aquatic life that are found near the surface of the water. It does occasionally also eat butterflies and other insects which it catches in flight.

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References and further reading

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 187

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Year Published: - Page: 110

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 36

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 96

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 294

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 290

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 218

List of South African Birds