OUWENEEL GL (1995) Short contributions: Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis and swarming ants. LIMOSA 68 (4): 164-164.
Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis = Sterna sandvicensis On 29 July 1995, tens of Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus were catching swarming ants in flight along the south-coast of Schouwen-Duiveland, SW-Netherlands. Two adult Sandwich Terns were among the gulls, making rapid turns as well, so the impression was that they too tried to catch the insects. Though it was observed at least three times that the terns tried to seize something, it is unknown if these efforts had success. Insects have been recorded earlier as components of the Sandwich Tern's diet (Cramp 1985, Glutz von Blotzheim 1982).
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