Whiskered TernChlidonias hybridaKde a kdy je můžete spatřit

The Whiskered Tern is a compact marsh tern associated with shallow wetlands. Its breeding plumage combines a dark crown and underside with striking pale cheeks. The Danube association concerns the Romanian delta around Mahmudia and adjacent lakes and channels, a separate itinerary from central European Danube cruises. Species reference: https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/whiskered-tern/

Size

23–25 cm.

Weight

Species-specific weight not verified.

Lifespan

Species-specific lifespan not verified.

Status

Least Concern, as reported by the Australian Museum.

BirdLife Australia describes repeated patrol flights over wetlands, with birds dipping to collect invertebrates and sometimes plunge-diving for small fish. Colonies can respond vigorously to intruders. These general behaviours do not establish a colony location in the registered delta reach.

• It is a marsh tern.
• The tail is slightly forked.
• Breeding birds have white cheeks.
• Non-breeding underparts are white.
• It captures invertebrates over wetlands.
• It can plunge-dive for small fish.
• Colonies may mob intruders.

The registry recommends spring and summer, but the local checklist supplies occurrence rather than recurring numerical months. Australian seasonality cannot establish a Romanian calendar. The location months remain empty.

Shallow freshwater wetlands and vegetated lakes are important habitats, with brackish waters also used. The delta’s lake-and-channel mosaic is the relevant excursion setting. A main-channel passage alone is not equivalent to visiting a vegetated lake with a local guide.

Food includes insects and other invertebrates taken over vegetation or at the water surface, with small fish also captured. No Mahmudia dietary study was verified. The species is not simply a miniature version of a marine fish-specialist tern.

Common name

Whiskered Tern

Scientific name

Chlidonias hybrida

Animal group

Birds

Size

23–25 cm.

Weight

Species-specific weight not verified.

Lifespan

Species-specific lifespan not verified.

Status

Least Concern, as reported by the Australian Museum.

Identification

Breeding adults show a black crown, white cheeks, grey upperparts and dark grey underparts, with red bill and legs. Outside breeding plumage the underside becomes white and the crown less solidly dark. Age and season make comparison with other marsh terns important.