Whiskered tern

Introduction: Whiskered terns (Chlidonias hybrida) can be found in natural wetlands such as marshes and river flood plains. The Latin name hybrida has given rise to experts believing it is a hybrid species between black and common terns. Often observed with white-winged terns roosting on low, sparsely vegetated sandy islands.

Distribution: Etosha National Park, Caprivi, Kaudom Game Park and scattered populations in central and northern Namibia.

Diet: Hovers and plunge-dives to snatch insects from above the surface of the water, selecting amphibians and invertebrates from vegetation.

Description: Small tern with blackish plumage, short bills, short legs and 'shallowly' forked tails.

Breeding: Nests are a bulky structure built by both sexes of plant stems, leaves and grass. Between 2 and 4 eggs are laid between October and April with an incubation period of around 20 days. Breeds on farm dams and other freshwater habitats.

Size: 25cm.

Weight: 100g.