Other Scientific Names
Chlidonias albostriatus [Collar and Andrew (1988)], Chlidonias albostriatus [Collar et al. (1994)], Chlidonias albostriatus [Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)]
New Zealand, breeding in interior South I. Post-breeding visitor to North I, where it formerly bred.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Predation by introduced mustelids, feral cats, Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus, hedgehogs, Brush-tailed Possum Trichosurus vulpecula, dogs, and Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), disturbance at breeding colonies by cattle and sheep and recreational activities, at wintering sites are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
At sea, mainly crustaceans. Also freshwater invertebrates, small fish, earthworms and other terrestrial invertebrates.
Black-fronted Tern (Chlidonias albostriatus) [XC403126]
by Barry Edmonston from Pukaki, Mackenzie District, Canterbury, New Zealand (alarm call, flight call, nestling beggining in background)
Black-fronted Tern (Chlidonias albostriatus) [XC152987]
by Dan Lane from Glenavy, Waimate District, Canterbury, New Zealand (call)
Subspecies
Sometimes considered a subspecies of Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida).
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) which has even grey on rump, Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) which has dark primaries on upper wings, yellow bill, Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis) which has yellow-orange bill, White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) which are both are larger with black bill, legs.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet