Fiji Birds: Gulls, Terns and Skimmers

Most terns described share an elegant, aerodynamic build with long wings and forked tails, ideal for agile flight over open water. Common visual traits include pale gray or white bodies contrasted with darker caps, eye lines, or nape markings. Several species, such as Common, Little, Bridled, and Gray-backed Terns, rely on subtle differences in head patterns, bill color, and back shading for identification. Seasonal plumage changes are common, with breeding birds showing bolder contrasts and nonbreeding individuals appearing more muted or mottled.

Feeding behavior further separates these species into distinct ecological roles. Many terns, including White, Sooty, and Black-naped Terns, capture prey by plunge-diving or hovering just above the water before snatching fish from the surface. In contrast, noddies—Blue-gray, Brown, and Black—primarily feed by surface picking and tend to forage closer to shore or in association with other seabirds. These differences in hunting style are mirrored by variations in bill shape, tail length, and flight patterns.

Gulls and noddies add diversity in size, structure, and life history. Kelp, Laughing, and Silver Gulls are more robust than terns, with broader wings, heavier bills, and longer maturation periods, often occupying coastal beaches, mudflats, and human-altered environments. Noddies, though tern-like, are darker overall and favor rocky cliffs, sea caves, and offshore islets for nesting. Together, these birds illustrate how closely related seabirds can diverge in appearance and behavior while thriving within the same coastal ecosystems.