StatusNative
RarityFairly Common
Height24 cm
Weight80 g
Bird Gallery
1 / 4
Did You Know?
3 Facts1
"The whiskered tern got its scientific name because early naturalists thought it might be a hybrid of two other tern species."
Field Guide
Whiskered Tern
4 sections
The whiskered tern is a rare visitor to New Zealand's freshwater habitats. This small, elegant bird is a treat for keen birdwatchers, with its distinctive appearance and graceful flight. Its occasional presence adds an element of excitement to any day spent observing waterbirds in our wetlands.
Distribution Map
Tap to enlarge
Diet
Track Your Sightings
Download Wingmate to log birds you spot and build your personal collection