Feeding Behavior

Forages mostly by flying low, hovering, and dipping down to take items from surface of water; seldom plunge-dives into water. May concentrate where schools of predatory fish are chasing smaller fish to surface. May sometimes feed at night.

Eggs

One. Pale buff, spotted with dark brown or reddish-brown. Incubation is by both parents, 28-30 days. Young: May leave nest after a few days and hide in nearby cover. Both parents feed young, regurgitating small fish. Age at first flight about 55-63 days; may become independent about a month later.

Young

May leave nest after a few days and hide in nearby cover. Both parents feed young, regurgitating small fish. Age at first flight about 55-63 days; may become independent about a month later.

Diet

Mostly fish. Feeds mainly on small fish, also small squid, crustaceans, insects.

Nesting

Breeds in isolated pairs or in colonies, often with other terns. Florida nesters were associated with Roseate Terns. Courtship involves high flight by groups or pairs. Male may fly slowly and low over colony, carrying stick or fish, to be pursued by other birds. On ground, two birds bow, strut, turn in circles. Nest site is usually in sheltered spot, such as under ledge, among rock rubble, in small limestone cave, under shrub; sometimes on open ground. Nest is slight scrape in soil, with little or no lining added.