Sandwich Tern

Name

Sandwich Tern

Latin Name

Sterna sandvicensis

Family

Rynchopidae

Habitat

Coastal, occurs in small groups, feeds just offshore and rests on beaches.

Bird Call

A strident rasping 'kirrik-kirrik'.

Adult Description

Much larger than Common Tern, the Sandwich Tern's back is paler than other similar-sized Terns. Differs from Gullbilled Tern in a much slimmer appearance and long thin bill, black with a yellow tip.

Status

Common summer visitor.

Distribution

Western and eastern Atlantic migrating south. Sandwich Tern are found around our coasts, as far north as Mozambique.

Kruger National Park - South African Safari