The Whiskered Tern is a seabird with three seperate geographical races, differing mainly in size and minor plumage details.Hybridus breeds in warmer parts of Europe and Asia, the smaller-billed and darker Delalandii is found in east and south Africa, and the paler Javanicus can be found from Java to Australia. The tropical forms are resident, but European and Asian birds winter south to Africa and southern Asia.
The Whiskered Tern breeds in colonies on inland marshes, sometimes amongst Black-headed Gulls, which provide some protection.
