Description:
Adult plumage in summer: white forehead transitioning to gray on the crown and grayish-brown on the nape, culminating in a mahogany color on the upperparts. The outer webs of the primary feathers and the tail feathers are black. The tail is pointed in the center. Juvenile plumage is browner with no gray on the crown. The beak is black, legs are black, and eyes are brown.
Biology:
Lays 1-2 eggs directly on sand or soil. Breeding season is April-June. Diet consists of small fish and squid.
Habitat and Ecology:
Lives on offshore islands in small flocks, foraging along the shore.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Hoang Sa Archipelago, Khanh Hoa, Thuan Hai, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria.
- Worldwide: Andaman Islands, Nicobar Islands, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Value:
Valuable genetic resource. Of scientific value.
Conservation Status:
Breeding areas are impacted by habitat destruction and egg harvesting. Threat level: T (Threatened).
Recommended Conservation Measures:
Research conservation strategies and prevent all impacts on nesting sites.