| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Near Threatened
|
|---|
| Approximate size(adult): | A medium-sized tern, measuring about 38–43 cm in length with a wingspan of 80–90 cm. It has pale grey upperparts, white underparts, a black cap, and a bright yellow bill; the tail is long and deeply forked.
|
|---|
| Resident/ Migrate from: | Largely resident, with local seasonal movements linked to water levels and breeding conditions.
|
|---|
| Migrate to: | — (Partial local movements within the Indian subcontinent)
|
|---|
| Breeding season: | Generally March to June in India, coinciding with the dry season when river sandbanks are exposed. Nests are simple scrapes on bare sand or gravel islands in rivers and lakes.
|
|---|
| Breed in: | Inland rivers, reservoirs, and large lakes, particularly those with sandy or rocky islands suitable for nesting.
|
|---|
| Habitat: | Prefers freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, and occasionally coastal lagoons. Often seen flying low over water, diving for fish.
|
|---|
| Diet: | Feeds mainly on small fish, but also takes aquatic insects, crustaceans, and amphibians, captured by plunge-diving into water.
|
|---|
