Whiskered tern
Introduction: Whiskered terns (Chlidonias hybrida) can be found in natural wetlands such as marshes and river flood plains. The Latin name hybrida has given rise to experts believing it is a hybrid species between black and common terns. Often observed with white-winged terns roosting on low, sparsely vegetated sandy islands.
Distribution: Etosha National Park, Caprivi, Kaudom Game Park and scattered populations in central and northern Namibia.
Diet: Hovers and plunge-dives to snatch insects from above the surface of the water, selecting amphibians and invertebrates from vegetation.
Description: Small tern with blackish plumage, short bills, short legs and 'shallowly' forked tails.
Breeding: Nests are a bulky structure built by both sexes of plant stems, leaves and grass. Between 2 and 4 eggs are laid between October and April with an incubation period of around 20 days. Breeds on farm dams and other freshwater habitats.
Size: 25cm.
Weight: 100g.
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