About Sternula nereis Gould, 1843
Taxonomic Identification
The fairy tern (Sternula nereis Gould, 1843) is a small tern species.
Adult Non-breeding Plumage
It has a white body and light bluish-grey wings, with a small black patch on its head that does not extend past the eye, and never reaches the bill.
Breeding Plumage Traits
When in breeding plumage, both the beak and legs are yellowish-orange.
Outside of the breeding season, the bird loses its black crown, which is mostly replaced by white feathers, and its beak becomes black at both the tip and base.
Plumage Variation by Age and Sex
Males and females look identical, and the plumage of immature fairy terns matches the non-breeding plumage of adults.
Body Size
The total body length of the fairy tern is approximately 25 cm (10 in).
