High above the turquoise embrace of the Pacific, a flash of grey streaks across the endless blue. Here, amidst the Costa Rican coastline, you might encounter a magnificent traveler – the Bridled Tern. Though not a permanent resident, this graceful seabird graces our shores with its presence, adding a touch of avian wonder to your Costa Rican retreat experience.

The Bridled Tern, adorned with a name that hints at its unique features, is a medium-sized tern belonging to the Laridae family. Measuring around 30-32 cm in length, with a wingspan reaching a remarkable 77-81 cm, it boasts a build sturdier than its common tern cousins.

Its plumage is a captivating contrast. The upperparts are a stunning dark grey, resembling a sleek, wetsuit shielding it from the elements. This gives way to a stark white underbelly, creating a sharp division that emphasizes the bird’s streamlined form. The head is a masterpiece in itself. Atop the crown sits a jet-black cap, sharply contrasting with the pure white forehead and a striking white eyebrow that stretches elegantly back. Completing this exquisite picture is a crisp white collar that encircles the hindneck, earning the tern its apt moniker.

While juvenile Bridled Terns lack the dramatic contrast of their adult counterparts, their plumage is no less fascinating. Adorned in a scaly grey above, it transitions to a pale underside, offering a glimpse into their transformation into the marvels they become.

These terns are masters of the open ocean, rarely venturing near land except during breeding season or when blown off course by storms. So, if you’re fortunate enough to spot a Bridled Tern while basking on the pristine beaches of Costa Rica, consider it a special treat. You might see them perched on a piece of floating debris, momentarily resting before diving back into the vast expanse of their aquatic domain.

Bridled Terns are adept hunters, using their keen eyesight to spot fish flitting beneath the water’s surface. With a graceful plunge, they plummet headfirst, snatching their prey in mid-air or after a shallow dive. Their diet consists primarily of small fish, squid, and crustaceans – a testament to their prowess as aerial predators.

While the Bridled Tern’s breeding grounds primarily lie in tropical regions around the world, including parts of Australia and the Indo-Pacific, some choose the coastlines of Costa Rica for their temporary havens. It’s during this time that you might witness their fascinating courtship rituals. The males perform elaborate aerial displays, diving and calling to attract mates. Once paired, they collaborate to build a simple scrape in the sand or lay their eggs on a rocky outcrop, with both parents taking turns incubating and raising their chicks.

The Bridled Tern is a migratory marvel, a citizen of the world’s oceans. Its fleeting presence along the Costa Rican coast adds a touch of wonder to your retreat experience. So, the next time you find yourself gazing out at the endless blue, keep an eye out for this avian visitor. A flash of grey, a dance with the wind – the Bridled Tern might just grace you with a glimpse of its breathtaking beauty.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

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