About Sterna sumatrana Raffles, 1822
Etymology
Sterna sumatrana Raffles, 1822, commonly known as the black-naped tern, gets its name from a distinct black band that starts at the eyes, connects behind the head, and extends down the back of the neck.
Adult Plumage - Main
Most of its plumage is white, with pale silvery-grey wings and mantle. Only the outermost primary feather has a narrow black outer web.
Tail Characteristics
Its tail is white, deeply forked, and when the bird is perched, the tail extends past the wingtips — this trait is shared with its close relatives, the roseate tern and the white-fronted tern.
Beak and Leg Color
Both the beak and legs of the black-naped tern are black.
Adult Size and Weight
The species measures 30–35 cm in body length, has a 66 cm wingspan, and adult individuals weigh between 97 and 120 grams.
Hatchling Plumage
Newly hatched black-naped terns have mottled brown plumage.
Habitat Range
Black-naped terns live on rocky shores across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans.
Breeding Migration
Each year they migrate to small islets and islands to breed.
