Ascension : Conservation Weekly - Fairy Terns
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 30.04.2009 (Article Archived on 14.05.2009)
This is a small, delicately-built pure white, seabird with a finely-pointed black bill and rings of black feather around the eyes, giving a large-eyed appearance. Juveniles are creamier in colour and have dull brown edges to the feathers of the upper-parts.
They like to feed on a variety of small fish, which they catch using a dipping technique similar to that of noddies. Fish are carried, whole to chicks rather than regurgitated. Most fairy terns stay close to the islands throughout the year. Before nesting, pairs can often be seen performing closely synchronised aerobatics, which are part of the courtship ritual.
The Fairy Tern breeds all year round. They are common on both St Helena and Ascension Island. The single egg is laid in a hollow on a bare branch or rock ledge and is pale grey or buff with dark streaking and speckling. The fairy tern is one of the few tree-nesting birds that make no nest. Both parents share incubation, which last around 36 days. Their chicks fledge when around seven weeks old. The recommended sites on the island to see these beautiful birds are Georgetown Anchorage, and Green Mountain.
Fairy Terns are remarkably tame and acquisitive and will often hover with a metre of a person out of curiosity.
Thank you!
Sadly we are to say farewell and thank you to another great volunteer Suzanne Edwards; she has been volunteering within the Green National Park, with the endemic plants, helping with the potting and planting, also have helped with the clearance at Monkey Rock Cemetery. We wish you and your family all the best
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