Sandwich tern

The Sandwich tern, a medium-large member of the Laridae family, is closely related to other tern species. This bird breeds in the Palearctic region and migrates to winter in locales such as South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. It is distinguished by its grey upperparts, white underparts, a yellow-tipped black bill, and a shaggy black crest, which becomes less prominent in winter. The Sandwich tern nests on the ground, laying one to three eggs, and sustains itself by diving into the water to catch fish. During courtship, it often presents fish to potential mates.

Initially described as Sterna sandvicensis, the Sandwich tern was later reclassified under the genus Thalasseus. It does not have any subspecies, although what was once regarded as a subspecies is now recognized as a separate species, known as Cabot's tern. The name "sandvicensis" refers to Sandwich, a town in Kent, England.

The Sandwich tern is easily identified by its black bill tipped with yellow, pale grey upperwings, and white underparts. Juveniles have dark-tipped tails and a scaly appearance on their back and wings. The bird is also noted for its loud, grating call.

Sandwich terns breed in dense colonies on coastal areas and islands, constructing their nests on the ground. They rely on the safety of numbers rather than aggression to protect themselves from predators. These birds primarily feed by plunge-diving for fish, typically from the sea.

The global population of Sandwich terns is estimated to be between 460,000 and 500,000 individuals. They are classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List due to their stable population. The species is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), which mandates various conservation actions to safeguard the birds and their habitats.