Among the diverse avian species on our planet, the River Tern holds a unique place due to its fascinating behaviors and beautiful appearance. This captivating bird can be found in various habitats across Asia, including Nepal. Let's explore their taxonomy, physical features, habitat, diet, and presence in Nepal, and unveil an interesting point about them.
Taxonomy and Physical Features
The River Tern (Sterna Aurantia) belongs to the family Laridae and is part of the order Charadriiformes. It is closely related to other tern species such as Common Tern (Sterna Hirundo) and Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus Sandvicensis).
Adult River Terns boasts a slender and graceful appearance with an overall white body contrasted with a black cap on their heads. They have a long forked tail and pointed wings which help them maneuver effortlessly while hunting. Adults possess sharp yellow bills with black tips and striking bright yellow-orange legs.
Habitat and Diet
River Terns are mainly found in freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands throughout Asia. They prefer large open bodies of water with plenty of fish for feeding and sandbanks or islands for breeding. Their nesting colonies can vary in size depending on factors like food availability and habitat quality.
Adept fishers by nature, River Terns predominantly feed on small fish. They display exceptional agility by diving headfirst from mid-air into the water to catch their prey near the surface. Occasionally, they feed on insects or crustaceans as well.
Presence in Nepal
Nepal is home to numerous rivers that act as perfect habitats for River Terns. They can be spotted along large water bodies such as the Koshi River and Rapti River, where they nest and breed. Additionally, they are visible at Rara Lake and Chitwan National Park during the breeding season from April to June.
Interesting Point:
River Terns exhibit an amazing behavior known as "aerial courtship," which involves the male and female flying in unison before the male presents a fish to his mate. This display of skill and generosity helps in forming a strong bond between the pair, which stays together throughout the breeding season and raise their chicks together.
In conclusion, River Terns are truly captivating birds that grace the waterways of Asia, including Nepal, with their striking appearance and remarkable behaviors. Learning more about this charming bird species helps us appreciate the incredible biodiversity of our world and reminds us of the importance of conserving their fragile habitats for future generations to cherish.