Damara Tern

Name

Damara Tern

Latin Name

Sterna balaenarum

Family

Rynchopidae

Length

23 cm

Habitat

Small groups on Atlantic coast, feeding offshore and in bays and estuaries.

Bird Call

Damara Tern voice a high pitched 'tsit-tit' repeated several times. Also 'tit-tit'.

Breeding

Damara Tern breed on the Namibian coast and near Table Bay, newly discovered, beyond Rocky Point, right up to the Cunene. Nests in dune-slacks and gravel plains up to 1 - 5 kms from the sea. Eggs 1 or 2, tern-like.

Immature Description

Immature Damara Tern have brownish markings on wing-coverts.

Adult Description

Small size and all-black cap diagnostic of breeding plumage; at other times differs from Little Tern in longer, slightly downturned bill and paler grey back, the body shape dumpier; at long range appears almost white. Non-breeding birds have white forehead and crown.

Status

Uncommon resident.

Distribution

Confined to the coasts of South West Africa and Cape. Leaves our shores in July.

Kruger National Park - South African Safari