Sooty Tern

The Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscatus) brings a touch of whimsy to the skies above St. Helena with its sleek black and white plumage and graceful aerial maneuvers. These seabirds, affectionately known as "wide-awakes" for their distinctive calls, are skilled oceanic navigators, often found far from land except during their breeding season. During this time, they gather in noisy, bustling colonies on rocky cliffs and offshore islets, where they court and raise their chicks. Sooty terns are renowned for their impressive ability to feed on the wing, swooping down to snatch fish and squid from the surface of the water with precise agility. Their playful interactions and synchronized flights add a dynamic charm to the coastal skies, making them a beloved sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike on St. Helena.