Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)

a coastal seabird that primarily breeds along temperate and subtropical shorelines, favoring sandy or shingle islands, saltmarshes, and coastal dunes. During the breeding season, it nests in large, dense colonies on low-lying islands or beaches, often among other tern species. These locations offer protection from terrestrial predators and proximity to rich feeding grounds in nearby shallow marine waters. Outside of the breeding season, Sandwich Terns are more dispersed and are commonly found along coastlines, estuaries, and sheltered bays.

 

During the breeding season, adult Sandwich Terns feed their chicks a diet composed almost entirely of small fish. The most common prey includes species such as sandeels, sprats, and juvenile herring, which are caught by plunge-diving into the sea. The adults carry the fish crosswise in their bills and deliver them whole to the chicks at the nesting site. The quality and size of the fish are crucial, as well-fed chicks grow more rapidly and have a higher chance of fledging successfully. Occasionally, when fish are scarce, the terns may bring in small invertebrates, but this is less common and generally considered suboptimal nutrition for the growing chicks.

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