Wildlifeof Bhutan
River Tern
Gulls, Terns & SkuasSterna aurantia
Basic stats
Diet
Fish, crustaceans, tadpoles and aquatic insects, by plunge-diving
Habitat
Lowland rivers, mainly 0–600m; breeds in colonies on sandbanks
Range
Resident breeder along inland rivers from Pakistan east through the Indian subcontinent to Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia
Clutch size
3 greenish-grey to buff eggs, blotched brown
Size
38–46cm
Wingspan
80–85cm
The river tern is a medium-large tern, 38 to 46cm long with an 80 to 85cm wingspan, the largest in its genus. It has dark grey upperparts, white or very pale grey underparts, a forked tail with long streamers, a stout bill that is bright yellow in summer, and bright red legs. In breeding plumage the black cap extends well below the eye (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is almost exclusively found on fresh water, typically lowland rivers at 0 to 600m, though one was recorded at 2,706m in the upper Indus valley. It breeds from March to May in colonies on sandbanks in rivers, in a ground scrape often on bare rock or sand. It feeds by plunge-diving in rivers, lakes and tanks. The account opened does not name Bhutan.
Quick answers
- What does the River Tern eat?
- Fish, crustaceans, tadpoles and aquatic insects, by plunge-diving
- What habitat does the River Tern live in?
- Lowland rivers, mainly 0–600m; breeds in colonies on sandbanks
- Where is the River Tern found?
- Resident breeder along inland rivers from Pakistan east through the Indian subcontinent to Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia
- How many eggs does the River Tern lay?
- 3 greenish-grey to buff eggs, blotched brown
- How big is the River Tern?
- 38–46cm
- What is the wingspan of the River Tern?
- 80–85cm