The black-naped tern is an oceanic tern mostly found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. They are rarely found inland. It was described from the islands around Sumatra. It is most closely related to roseate tern S. dougallii and white-fronted tern S. striata.
Region
Indian Ocean and western Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the islands of the eastern Indian Ocean through Southeast Asia to the western Pacific, including coastal Australia and many oceanic archipelagos. It favors coral cays, sandy islets, lagoon edges, and sheltered reef flats, rarely venturing far inland. Nesting sites are typically open, low-lying islands with sparse vegetation. Outside breeding, birds roost on beaches, rocks, and man-made structures such as buoys or jetties. Local post-breeding dispersal over surrounding seas is common.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-naped tern is an oceanic tern of tropical coasts, especially around coral reefs and sand cays, and is rarely seen inland. Its name comes from the thin black line running from the eye to the nape. Colonies are very sensitive to disturbance, and nests are simple scrapes on open sand or coral rubble. It often forages over clear inshore waters and can be a good indicator of healthy reef systems.
Black-naped Tern
Sterna sumatrana eggs, MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
buoyant flier with short rapid wingbeats and agile hovering
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on small islets, often in loose to dense groups alongside other terns. Pairs are monogamous within a season, laying 1–2 eggs in a shallow scrape. Both parents incubate and feed chicks, bringing small fish carried crosswise in the bill. Adults defend nest sites with aerial displays and loud mobbing calls.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, sharp kip-kip and kit-ik notes, often given in rapid series over colonies. Alarm calls become harsher and more rasping when predators or people approach. In flight, soft contact calls help maintain cohesion within foraging groups.
