Features: The Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) is a small, boldly marked tern with black head and underparts during the breeding season. They are mainly insect predators, hovering just above the water as they pick their prey off the surface. They build floating nests in loose colonies in shallow marshes, especially in cattails. In winter they migrate to the coast of northern South America.

Status: Special Concern Provincially, Not at Risk Nationally

Range: The Black Tern breeds in the temperate regions of Europe, and in North America where it ranges from northern British Columbia and Alberta south to Arizona and Kansas and east to New Brunswick. In Ontario Black Terns are found scattered throughout the province, but breed mainly in the marshes along the edges of the Great Lakes. Range Maps

Threats: Historical records show Black Terns were once common in Ontario, and that recent declines have been occurring since the 1980s. Threats include wetland drainage and alteration, water pollution and human disturbance at nesting colonies (particularly boat traffic which can swamp the floating nests).

Protection: The Black Tern and its nest is protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Text Sources: Gerson 1988a; Austen et al. 1994

Last Modified Date: February 2006