Discover the captivating Flying Sooty Tern off Spit Island (00004822)
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Description: The Sooty Tern, scientifically known as Onychoprion fuscatus, is a captivating resident of the islands of Eastern and Spit. With approximately 50,000 breeding pairs, it is a prominent bird species in this region. The female lays its egg either in the sand or on the hard surface of the runway, a remnant from World War II on Eastern Island. These birds breed in large colonies and even after becoming fledged, they stay continuously on the sea for up to three years. The Sooty Tern is an excellent hunter and has few opportunities to rest, such as driftwood or sleeping sea turtles on the ocean surface.
Location: Hawaiian Islands, Midway, USA
Date of Capture: 16.07.2001