Fascinating Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata) resting on the ground in Hawaii (00006084)

Description: The Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata oahuensis) is a fascinating seabird species that nests on Eastern and Spit Island. With approximately 50,000 breeding pairs, they form large colonies. The female lays a single egg in the sand or on the hard runway surface of Eastern Island. After fledging, young Sooty Terns can spend up to three years continuously at sea. The only resting spots available are driftwood or sleeping sea turtles on the ocean surface. These birds are excellent hunters and spend most of their lives in the air or on the sea.

Location: Hawaiian Islands, Midway, USA

Date of Capture: 17.07.2001