Black Tern
(Chlidonias niger)
Black Tern
Black terns have been
documented breeding
in the northern half of
Montana. Black tern
breeding habitat is mostly
wetlands, marshes, prairie
potholes, and small ponds. However, several
locations are on man-made islands or islands
in man-made reservoirs. Conservation
concerns include: loss or degradation
of wetlands for breeding and migration;
pesticide reduction of favored insect foods;
and lack of information.
Conservation strategies include:
incorporating black
tern habitats (known
and potential) into any
wetland restoration programs;
reducing nutrient loading from
runoff at known black tern nesting sites;
and implementing a public education and
sighting program, similar to the program for
common loon nesting sites; and continuing
monitoring at known breeding locations.
