The Damara tern is a species of small tern in the family Laridae which breeds in the southern summer in southern Africa and migrates to tropical African coasts to winter.
Region
Southwest Africa and tropical West African coast
Typical Environment
Breeds mainly along the arid Atlantic coast of Namibia and western South Africa, with scattered sites on gravel plains and coastal salt pans. Colonies are often located a few kilometers inland from the surf zone, in sparse desert vegetation or on open sand and gravel. During the nonbreeding season it disperses north along the tropical West African coastline to forage in shallow nearshore waters. Typical environments include sandy beaches, sand spits, tidal flats, lagoons, estuaries, and nearshore surf zones. Roosting occurs on quiet sandbars and undisturbed beach sections.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny coastal tern, the Damara tern breeds on open desert gravel plains and salt pans in southwestern Africa—often far from the sea—then migrates to tropical West African coasts for the nonbreeding season. Adults in breeding plumage have a neat black cap with a white forehead and a slender black bill, distinguishing them from similar little terns. Nests are simple scrapes, making them vulnerable to trampling and disturbance by vehicles and beach activities. Conservation actions often focus on protecting nesting areas and managing human access.
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
agile with rapid wingbeats and frequent hovering before shallow plunge-dives
Social Behavior
Nests singly or in small, loose colonies on open ground, making shallow scrapes lined with small pebbles or shell fragments. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing, and courtship often involves fish offerings. Pairs are territorial around the nest but may forage in small groups.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched and squeaky, often a sharp tsip or see-sip given in flight. Alarm calls become more insistent and rapid near nesting sites.
