Terns on the Central Coast: The Agile Flyers of the Shoreline
If you’ve ever watched a small, sleek bird hovering over the waves before suddenly diving down to snatch a fish – you’ve probably seen a tern in action. These nimble seabirds are common along the Central Coast and are a big part of the coastal scene.
With their sharp flight skills and cheeky personalities, terns are a joy to watch, whether you're walking along the beach or enjoying a picnic by the water.
What is a tern?
Terns are medium-sized seabirds with slim bodies, long pointed wings, and a forked tail that gives them a bit of a “swallow-like” look. Most terns have white or pale grey feathers, a black cap on their heads, and a sharp, straight beak – perfect for catching fish.
There are a few types of terns you might spot on the Central Coast, including:
Crested Tern – the most common, with a yellow beak and messy black head feathers that look like a little hairdo.
Little Tern – smaller in size, and listed as endangered, especially during nesting season.
Whiskered Tern – often seen around freshwater areas like Tuggerah Lake and wetlands.
White-fronted Tern – more common in cooler months.
Caspian Tern – is the world’s largest tern.
Where can you see them?
Terns love both ocean beaches and coastal lakes, and you’ll often find them in spots where fish are plentiful. Some good places to see them on the Central Coast include:
The Entrance – around the channel and sandbars.
Norah Head – look for them flying low over the surf or resting on the rocks.
Avoca Lagoon and Tuggerah Lake – ideal for species like the Little and Whiskered Terns.
Pelican Beach and Wamberal – great for seeing Crested Terns diving for fish.
You’ll often spot them flying in small groups, gliding and diving with amazing control. They’re much lighter on the wing than gulls, and their dives are fast and precise.
What do they eat?
Terns mainly eat small fish, as well as insects and crustaceans. They’re expert hunters – often hovering in one spot before diving straight into the water to grab a fish just below the surface.
They don’t go as deep as gannets, but they make up for it with speed and agility.
Tern nesting season – give them space
Some terns, like the Little Tern, nest right on the sand – often in shallow scrapes just above the high tide line. This makes their nests very vulnerable to people, dogs, and even 4WDs.
During nesting season (mainly summer), you might notice fenced-off areas on beaches with signs asking you to keep out – these are protected nesting zones. Giving these birds space helps their chicks survive and keeps the local population going.
How to help look after terns
Avoid walking through fenced-off nesting areas on the beach.
Keep dogs on leads near dunes and breeding zones.
Don’t leave rubbish behind – fishing line and plastic can harm birds.
Watch with your eyes, not your feet – admire them from a distance.
Supporting Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast who care for shore birds and protect breeding areas
Terns might be small, but they’re full of energy, skill, and charm. They’re another reason the Central Coast’s coastlines and waterways are so special – and well worth keeping an eye out for on your next walk by the water.