Common White Tern

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Settlement, Lord Howe Island IMG_0128 20200302

Notes: AKA Blue-billed White Tern. Medium-sized pure white w. high rounded crown; slightly
forked tail, and glittering inky pool for eye accentuated by small dark patch in front. Bill is
black w. a blue base. Graceful & buoyant in flight. Female lays a single egg, often delicately
balanced, on a branch, building, or rock. Forages over subtropical & tropical seas, usually far
from land. Breeds on Lord Howe, Norfolk, Cocos (Keeling) Isls.

Range from Morcombe^©(modified)

Settlement, Lord Howe Island IMG_9777 20200301 - translucent wings

Horsburgh Isl., Cocos (Keeling) Islands IMG_9843 20190212

Cocos (Keeling) Islands IMG_5358 20140909

Ned's Beach, Lord Howe Island IMG_2787 20200307

Settlement, Lord Howe Island IMG_9797 20200301 - juvenile: ginger-brown tips to body feathers & wing coverts.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands IMG_5343 20140909 - parent w. day-old chick

Settlement, Lord Howe Island IMG_5387 20200301 - chick fluffing up.

Settlement, Lord Howe Island IMG_0106 20200302 - young adult x 3

Settlement, Lord Howe Island IMG_0125 20200302 - older chick practicing.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands MVI_5339-5394 20140909 - parent and new chick at "nest" - a bare fork in the branch.