Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

Order:

Charadriiformes

Family:

Laridae

Size:

32-39 cm

Weight:

97-146 g

Taxonomy:

S. h. tibetana (H. Saunders, 1876) and S. h. minussensis (Sushkin, 1925)

Short Description:

The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) is a migratory bird species found along the coastline of Pakistan, particularly in areas such as the Indus Delta, Karachi coast, and Balochistan. These birds are recognized by their slender bodies, long wings, forked tails, and distinctive black caps atop their heads. During the winter, they migrate to warmer regions, including Pakistan, from breeding grounds in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. Common Terns are known for their graceful flight and their habit of plunging into the water to catch fish, crustaceans, and insects.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) is primarily found along the coastline of Pakistan, including areas such as the Indus Delta, Karachi coast, and Balochistan. These regions provide suitable habitats for the Common Tern, with access to coastal waters and estuaries where they can forage for fish, crustaceans, and insects.

Foraging: Common Terns are skilled aerial hunters, often seen plunge-diving into coastal waters to catch fish, crustaceans, and insects. During the breeding season (April to August), Common Terns form colonies on coastal islands and sandbars where they construct shallow nests and share parental duties of incubation and chick rearing. They communicate through various vocalizations, including their distinctive “kree-ar” call, which serves purposes such as mate attraction, territorial defense, and coordination during foraging.