Sooty Tern

Onychoprion fuscatus is a highly oceanic tropical tern breeding in the Kermadec Islands. It differs from bridled-type terns through its dark upperparts, white forehead and deeply forked tail. Adults are blackish above and white below with a white forehead extending over the eye. Long narrow wings and a deep tail fork suit continuous flight.

New Zealand breeding is concentrated on the Kermadec Islands. Away from colonies the species ranges widely over tropical and subtropical oceans. It catches small fish and squid at the surface, often with mixed feeding flocks. Dense colonies are extraordinarily noisy, and adults spend long periods at sea.

The checklist classification is Recovering. Kermadec Island access is restricted, so there is no dependable public viewing site in New Zealand.