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This is a common winter migrant to the dry lowlands. It is rarely seen in the wet zone as well. This Tern breeds in freshwater marshes in southeast Europe to Central Asia and in the Russian Far East. During winter they migrate down to Africa, southern Asia and Australia.
The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List).
This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.
I have seen this species at most coastal habitat in the dry lowlands. It’s fairly common during the migrant season from Chilaw up to Jaffna and also from Kalametiya along the eastern coast to Jaffna. These terns begin to acquire their striking breeding plumage depicting their name by April and can be seen almost till end May.
In Wilpattu Kokkare Villu and Kaali Villu are locations where these terns can be frequently observed.