This large, black-backed tern is found throughout the world’s tropical seas and is the most abundant seabird in Seychelles. However, because it nests on the ground in dense colonies, it is vulnerable to disturbance and predation during the breeding season.
Several former colonies in Seychelles have been lost. For many years, the eggs have been collected for food locally and for export. Today, egg-collecting is controlled by the Ministry of Environment and populations are monitored by scientists. If eggs are collected early in the breeding season, females can lay a second. New research indicates that birds may move between colonies in Seychelles
Facts
Scientific name: Onychoprion fuscatus
Creole name: Golet
Wingspan: 82 – 94 cm
Population in the Seychelles: At least 3 million pairs in the granitics, 2 million on outer islands
World distribution: Worldwide in warmer oceans
Distribution in Seychelles: Breeds on Aride, Bird Island, Cousine, Recif and other small islands. Also several coral islands to the South (African Banks, Cosmoledo, Desnoeufs)
Nest: Nests on the ground in large colonies. One egg laid.
Diet: Small fish, squid
Identification: A large tern, black above and pure white below.
See more
Species Fact Sheet at BirdLife Data Zone
(Photo credit: Chris Tagg)