11001-66902 Little tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) a tiny uncommon migrant. A regular visitor to North Island harbours and estuaries in small numbers. Can be distinguished from Fairy tern by its black bill tip. Also found in East Asia, and on the north and east coasts of Australia *
11001-66801 Fairy tern, or tara iti (Sternula nereis davisae) pair with chicks. This tiny, slim endemic is the rarest of our breeding terns, its nests on popular beaches in summer are vulnerable to walkers, vehicles, cats and dogs. Destruction of mangrove habitat, where fish nurseries once provided abundant food for foraging adult terns may have contributed to their decline. Now restricted to Northland's coast, it was formerly widespread in the lower North Island, and on eastern South Island braided riverbeds. Mangawai *
11001-65203 Caspian tern, or taranui (Hydroprogne caspia) adult on nest with egg and two chicks. This is the largest tern in the world, it is found on all continents except South America and Antarctica. Onoke Spit *
