The Bridled Tern (Onychoprion Anaethetus ) is always seeking for tranquil places far from the noise. It is very common to see this bird on the edges of mountain beaches and islands far from the crowd of people.
This bird is characterised by its agility. Its upper parts are coloured grey and dark brown. As for its wings and beak, they tend to be black. The underparts are grey and white.
In Oman, the bird can be frequently watched in the rocky beaches along the Oman coastline.
This bird is known for its speed in flight, and it can catch its food very skillfully from the surface of the water. The bird eats small squid, crustaceans, and insects.
The period from May to September is considered the breeding season for this bird, as it begins to mate and then takes care of the eggs of its young.
Young may leave nest after a few days and hide in nearby cover. Both parents feed young, regurgitating small fish. Age at first flight about 55-63 days; may become independent about a month later.
Environmental resources said that Bridled Tern is a widespread seabird of the tropics and subtropics. Sometimes common over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, but seldom seen from land in North America except after hurricanes.
A handful of pairs have nested in southern Florida since 1987. Very light and buoyant in its flight. Almost never seen resting on ocean; birds at sea may perch on driftwood or floating debris.
This bird lives in a groups and can be seen in many parts of the world such as, North and South America, Asia and Africa.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI
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