Fairy Tern

Sternula nereis is represented in New Zealand by the critically rare endemic tara iti population. It differs from little tern through its cleaner pale wings and breeding bill lacking a black tip. Adults are very pale grey and white with a black cap and orange-yellow bill in breeding condition. The outer wings remain noticeably pale in flight.

Breeding is confined to a few northern North Island beaches. Birds feed in nearby estuaries and sheltered coastal waters. They hover and plunge-dive for tiny fish in shallow water. Pairs nest in exposed scrapes on sand and shell.

The New Zealand classification is Nationally Critical. Mangawhai and Waipū estuaries offer carefully managed viewing; obey all seasonal closures and signs.