|
Gray-backed Tern Sterna lunata *Breeds on Oahu Similar to Sooty Terns, except back, wings, and tail feathers gray. Head and eye-stripe are black. White forehead extends further back behind the eye than the sooty tern. Bill and legs black. Characteristic posture somewhat crouched and bent over when standing, with wings and tail pointing upward. Length:14-15 in; wing span: 29-30 in. A plunge diver, the Gray-backed Tern does not depend on predatory fish to drive prey to surface. Diet consists of sea striders, crustaceans, juvenile flying fish, cowfish, and goat fish. A small breeding colony of 25-50 pairs of this species exists at Moku Manu island. Trip Reports By Date Sightings Charts Checklist | Pick-up locations | Links Guestbook | Birding on Oahu Our Land Eco-Tours | Bird Books Oahu Nature Tours Phone:(808) 924-2473 Fax: (808) 924-5395  All content and photos on this website are copyrighted and not to be used or distributed without written permission from Oahu Nature Tours, Inc. and Robin W.Baird |
|