CASPIAN TERN

Caspian Terns are among the largest terns in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to a meter. This impressive wingspan, combined with their powerful flight muscles, allows them to cover great distances in their migratory journeys.

The Caspian Tern, with its striking silhouette, can be found skimming over many of Australia’s coastal waters, estuaries, and large inland lakes. This bird is a global traveller, with a presence in regions far beyond Australia, yet it shows a particular fondness for the Australian coastlines. From the bustling shores of Queensland to the serene waters of Western Australia, these birds are often seen gracefully patrolling the skies in search of their next meal.

As spring warms the air, the Caspian Terns prepare for the season of renewal. They are not your typical backyard nesters; instead, they prefer the seclusion of islands or isolated beaches for their nesting sites. These sites are chosen with care, often being reused year after year, highlighting the birds’ fidelity to their breeding grounds. The nests are simple scrapes in the ground, sometimes lined with debris or vegetation. In these humble cradles, the terns lay one to three eggs, which both parents then guard and incubate with unwavering dedication until they hatch.

The Caspian Tern is a testament to resilience and longevity in the bird world. With a lifespan that can extend up to 25 years, these birds have ample time to traverse vast distances, contribute to their species’ continuation, and leave a lasting legacy across generations.

The voice of the Caspian Tern is as distinctive as its appearance. Their vocal repertoire includes a sharp, raucous “kraaak” that can pierce through the coastal symphony of waves and wind. This call serves as a means of communication between mates, a warning to potential intruders, and a rallying cry for the group. It’s a sound that, once heard, becomes a memorable part of the coastal landscape, evoking the essence of the wild spaces they inhabit.

These birds are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on fish. They employ a dramatic hunting technique, plunging from great heights into the water to snatch their prey with remarkable precision.

While the Caspian Tern is currently not considered endangered, it faces threats from habitat destruction and disturbance at breeding sites. Their reliance on specific nesting sites makes them vulnerable to changes in their environment, underscoring the importance of protecting their habitats.