Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Black tern
Scientific name: Chlidonias niger
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: LARIDAE
Group: Birds
Shyness: Very shy
Safe distance: 10 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.05-31.07
Gestation: 21–23 jours
Births: 21–24 jours
Habitat:
Freshwater wetlands, marshes and shallow lakes
Description:
The black tern is a small tern of 23–26 cm with contrasting black and white breeding plumage and a slender body. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, marshes and shallow lakes, feeding on insects and small fish caught in flight by pattering over the water surface. During breeding, it nests on floating vegetation, lays 2–4 eggs and defends its territory with swift aerial displays and sharp calls.
Recommended lens:
>=300 mm
Photography tips:
Position yourself at the edge of reedbeds or on a waterside hide, wait for the tern’s pattering flight to capture the water splashes. Shoot early morning with a fast shutter speed to freeze the spray and use a shallow depth of field to isolate the bird against the wetland backdrop.
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