Hydroprogne caspia
Other names - Kahawai, Tara Punga, Sea
Hawk.
Identification - 50 cm (20 in.). Large
gull-sized tern with white body and grey wings along with a diagnostic
prominent red bill. Its cap is black in the breeding season becoming
grizzled when it is not breeding.
Similar species - The large size and conspicuous
red beak of this bird make it difficult to confuse it with other
terns.
Range - Widespread in Europe, Africa, Asia
and North America. In New Zealand widely spread throughout mainland
with a northward movement in winter.
Status - Common.
Where to see - Sheltered coastal waters
of both islands. - Occasionally on lakes.
Notes - Nests in large colonies and roosts
in small flocks.
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