Black Tern Colony in Maine

Black Tern; (Chlidonias niger) an endangered species in Maine. This footage shows the defensive behavior of these birds to intruders.

In this case that would be Don and Jim in the canoe; dedicated researchers who have been collecting data on these birds for nearly two decades.

The quick and darting flight of the Terns, makes getting an accurate head count difficult; and there are upwards of fifty adults in this colony.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Black Tern
• Childonias niger
• Endanger species
• Maine
• Marsh Birds

[jupy921]

@TotalKaosE Yes that is their behavior. Common terns will also do this.

[TotalKaosE]

I recently saw one of these, I believe at least, and I was wondering if you could tell me if this is normal behavior for them.

They'll basically stop in midair and hover for a few seconds, then glide and flap their wings twice before they start to fly normally again. Also, do they tend to hover frequently? I saw a bird that did this and it hovered for like 10 seconds, probably less, fly again for about 7 seconds, hover again for a few, fly again, hover, then fly away (out of sight)

Thanks!