Bird · GBIF taxon 2481213
White Tern
Gygis albaAlso known as Common White Tern, Fairy Tern, Angel Tern, White Noddy
White Terns are famous for laying a single egg directly onto bare tree branches or coral ledges without building a nest. Adults hunt small pelagic fish and squid near the water surface, often carrying several fish crosswise in their sharp black bills back to their young. Their stark white plumage, large dark eyes, and delicate fluttering flight make them an unmistakable sight across tropical oceans.
OceanicPelagicTree-Nesting
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flyingfish
- Squid
- Needlefish
Predators
- Feral Cats
- Rats
- Frigatebirds
ThreatsInvasive predators like rats and cats, extreme storms, marine pollution
HabitatsTropical oceans, coral atolls, and coastal island forests
Life span15–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLaridae
- SpeciesGygis alba
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Pure white plumage, oversized black eyes, and a dark blue-based bill distinguish this tree-nesting seabird.
- Support conservation
- Keep distance from nesting trees and never touch or shake branches where birds are perching.
Responsible observation
- Nesting Caution: Avoid shaking branches on island trees where eggs sit precariously balanced.
- Observer Distance: Watch from a respectful distance to prevent brooding parents from flushing.
- Identification: Look for their distinctive fluttering, butterfly-like flight over coastal foliage.
Frequent Companion (c) Kyle Van Houtan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kyle Van Houtan · cc-by
Frequent Companion 
Predator (c) James Weaver, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by James Weaver · cc-byClose Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.