White Tern (8/14)

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae

Gygis alba  

White Terns lay their egg directly onto tree branches and once the chick hatches it has to hang on with its claws in the wind. Frequently on windy days they blow right off the branch and can be found either hanging from one foot or end up on the ground like this one. I put it back up on the branch after this was taken.

The locals are very fond of White Terns and do daily checks of the lagoon trees to ensure the chicks are safe.