The white-fronted tern, also known as tara, sea swallow, black-billed tern, kahawai bird, southern tern, or swallow tail, was first described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789. A medium-sized tern with an all-white body including underwing and forked tail, with pale grey hues on the mantle and upper side of the wing. In breeding adults a striking black cap covers the head from forehead to nape, leaving a small white strip above the black bill.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Breeds on coastal shores, islands, and river mouths around New Zealand, including offshore stacks and cliff ledges. After breeding, many birds disperse across the Tasman Sea to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, with vagrants farther afield. Forages over inshore waters, estuaries, surf zones, and around headlands where baitfish congregate. Colonies favor open, sparsely vegetated substrates that provide visibility against predators but are exposed to storms.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called tara in Māori and sometimes 'sea swallow,' this tern breeds almost exclusively in New Zealand and disperses widely over the Tasman Sea after breeding. It is a deft plunge-diver, often feeding above schools of fish driven to the surface by larger predators, which is why it’s nicknamed the 'kahawai bird.' Colonies can be large and noisy, nesting on open sand or shingle spits and rocky islets where disturbance and predators pose risks.
Sterna striata in flight with tiny fish in its beak
Adult pair nesting on old pier
White-fronted tern chick hiding on the ground
Juvenile white-fronted tern begging parent for food
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile flier with rapid wingbeats; hovers briefly before plunge-diving
Social Behavior
Highly colonial breeder, nesting in dense groups on open substrates. Courtship includes aerial chases and males presenting fish to females. Both parents incubate and feed the chicks, which often form crèches near the colony.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are sharp, rasping and scolding, often a repeated 'kerrick' or 'kik-kik' exchanged in flight or at colonies. Vocalizations intensify during courtship and when mobbing intruders.
