Latin name:Sterna acuticauda
Vietnamese Name:Nhàn bụng đen
Family:Laridae
Order:Lariformes
Class (Group):

Adult Plumage Description:

Summer Plumage:

The summer plumage features a jet-black coloration from the forehead to the nape of the neck, with the forehead sometimes displaying white markings. The back exhibits a gray hue, which becomes slightly paler on the flanks, rump, and tail. The outer webs of the outermost tail feathers are nearly entirely white. The area encompassing the fore-eye region, cheeks, chin, and throat is white, transitioning to gray on the upper chest, and eventually turning black on the belly and under-tail coverts. The underwings and armpits are white.

Winter Plumage:

The winter plumage presents a white crown with black streaks. A black spot is present behind the eye. The belly is white, tinged with gray on the chest and upper throat. The eyes are dark brown. The beak is a vibrant orange-yellow, with a paler shade in winter and a brown tip. The legs are orange-yellow.

Measurements:

  • Wing: 221 – 240 mm
  • Tail: 145 – 152 mm
  • Tarsus: 15 – 16 mm
  • Bill: 32 – 40 mm

Distribution:

This species is distributed in Southern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and India.

Vietnam:

This species is found in Bà Rịa and Trà Vinh provinces.