Angola (B) (NB), Benin (NB), Cameroon (NB), Congo [The Democratic Republic of the] (NB), Congo [The Democratic Republic of the] (NB), Côte dIvoire (NB), Gabon (NB), Ghana (NB), Namibia (B) (P), Nigeria (NB), South Africa (B), Togo (NB).
Vagrant to Liberia (NB).
Namibia, south to the Cape provinces in South Africa and north to Cabinda in Angola. It disperses north after the breeding season and is recorded regularly from the coastal waters of Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
 
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 14,000 (2010) and stable.
Subspecies
Sometimes included in superspecies formed with Little Tern (Sternula albifrons).
No subspecies.
Similar Species
With breeding Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) which has white forehead and mainly yellow bill. In non-breeding plumage, has less white on head, darker mantle and more slight proportions.
References
See References.