The world of birds is astonishingly diverse, giving us a chance to marvel at the unique styles and behaviors that these winged creatures possess. One such captivating bird is the White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus), which makes an extraordinary spectacle with its graceful flight patterns and eye-catching design. In this article, we will explore the taxonomy and physical features of the White-winged Tern, its habitat and diet preferences, breeding and nesting behaviors, as well as its presence in Nepal.
Taxonomy and Physical Features
The White-winged Tern belongs to the family Laridae within the order Charadriiformes. This small tern has a fascinating mix of colors that change depending on the season. During breeding season from April to September, adults display a distinguishable black plumage covering the head, neck, and chest while the wings are predominantly white with dark feather tips. The belly remains white year-round.
Outside of their breeding season, non-breeding adult terns display pale grey upperparts instead of their glossy black breeding plumage. Juvenile White-winged Terns resemble their non-breeding adult counterparts but have a more prominent dark pattern on their wings.
Habitat and Diet
The preferred habitats of the White-winged Tern include marshes, shallow freshwater lakes, brackish lagoons, and coastal wetlands. Their diet primarily consists of insects like flies, beetles, and dragonflies, which they catch during flight using their quick aerial skills or by picking them off water surfaces. Occasionally they also consume small fish if available.
Breeding and Nesting
White-winged Terns generally breed in colonies that can range from just a few pairs to thousands. These birds are monogamous, meaning that they form long-lasting pair bonds during the breeding season. The female lays one to three eggs per clutch, and both parents share incubation duties.
Nests are typically built on floating vegetation or small islands in marshy areas. Incubation lasts for about 21-22 days, followed by another 20-25 days of chick-rearing by both adults. White-winged Terns are quite protective of their young, aggressively defending them against potential predators.
Presence in Nepal
While the White-winged Tern has a wide range covering parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it is typically seen as a passage migrant in Nepal. Sightings have been reported from the country's lowland regions like Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Jagdishpur Reservoir but remain quite rare and limited due to Nepal being at the edge of their migratory route.
In conclusion, the White-winged Tern stands out among other tern species with its striking appearance and habitat preferences. As an essential part of wetland ecosystems, it is crucial for us to protect these habitats to support not only the White-winged Tern but countless other species that rely on these invaluable environments for survival.