Black-bellied Tern

Sterna repressa

The Black-bellied Tern (Sterna repressa) is a graceful seabird with a slender body, long pointed wings, and a deeply forked tail. It is characterized by its black belly, white underparts, and silvery-gray upperparts. During the breeding season, it displays a black cap and a black bill. This species is known for its agile and buoyant flight, often seen hovering over water bodies before plunging to catch fish. Black-bellied Terns breed in colonies on freshwater marshes and ponds, and migrate to coastal areas during the non-breeding season. They are highly vocal and social birds, often seen in flocks. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss and disturbance at breeding sites.

Habitat: Freshwater marshes and coastal areas