BRIDLED TERN

The Bridled Tern prefers the balmy embrace of tropical and subtropical regions, making its home on islands and coastal areas. In Australia, these birds are commonly found from the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, across the northern coast, and down to the western coast of Western Australia. These birds are adept at both flying and swimming. They can glide effortlessly over the ocean’s surface, scouting for fish and squid, which they catch with remarkable precision.

They are true oceanic birds, spending a significant portion of their lives at sea, coming ashore primarily to breed.

The breeding season of the Bridled Tern is a testament to the bird’s strong connection to its chosen nesting sites, which are typically on coral islands and rocky cays. They favor locations with ample vegetation or rocky crevices that provide shelter for their nests. The breeding period starts around September, when the weather begins to warm, continuing through to March. A single egg is laid, and both parents share the responsibility of incubation and feeding the chick once it hatches. This cooperative parenting ensures the chick has a higher chance of survival in the unpredictable island environment.

Bridled Terns are known to live a relatively long life for birds of their size, with some individuals reaching up to 30 years of age. This longevity is quite remarkable, considering the challenges they face, from evading predators to finding food in the vast ocean.

The call of the Bridled Tern is a distinctive, high-pitched, and somewhat musical sound, often described as a “kee-arr.” This vocalization plays a crucial role in their social interactions, especially during the breeding season when communication between mates and with their chicks is vital for their survival and the continuation of the species.

Bridled Terns face threats from climate change and human activity, including habitat destruction and pollution. Their reliance on specific breeding sites makes them particularly vulnerable to changes in their environment.

The Bridled Tern is more than just a bird; it’s a symbol of the delicate balance within Australia’s coastal ecosystems. Through understanding and appreciating these remarkable creatures, we can foster a deeper connection with the natural world and a stronger commitment to protecting it for future generations.