Name
Damara Tern
Latin Name
Sterna balaenarum
Family
Rynchopidae
Length
23 cm
Habitat
Small groups on Atlantic coast, feeding offshore and in bays and estuaries.
Bird Call
Damara Tern voice a high pitched 'tsit-tit' repeated several times. Also 'tit-tit'.
Breeding
Damara Tern breed on the Namibian coast and near Table Bay, newly discovered, beyond Rocky Point, right up to the Cunene. Nests in dune-slacks and gravel plains up to 1 - 5 kms from the sea. Eggs 1 or 2, tern-like.
Immature Description
Immature Damara Tern have brownish markings on wing-coverts.
Adult Description
Small size and all-black cap diagnostic of breeding plumage; at other times differs from Little Tern in longer, slightly downturned bill and paler grey back, the body shape dumpier; at long range appears almost white. Non-breeding birds have white forehead and crown.
Status
Uncommon resident.
Distribution
Confined to the coasts of South West Africa and Cape. Leaves our shores in July.
