Found in coastal regions between the Kimberley in northern Western Australia south and east to Tasmania and eastern Victoria, this small tern feeds on fish it catches from plummeting into the ocean. They breed from July to February, laying from 1-3 eggs on beaches and sandy islets. Threats Due to continual development around our coastal areas, many established mainland nesting and resting sites are destroyed each year, forcing the terns to choose less suitable sites.
Island nesting sites are quite secure.
Increase in natural predators including Ravens and Silver Gulls. Nests destroyed and chicks killed by careless use of vehicles, such as four wheel drives, on our coastal areas. Nesting sites are being abandoned due to beach users simply walking through a nesting colony unaware. Natural competition for food and good nesting sites with other terns and gulls. This competition has increased due to current conditions favouring gulls.