Following the color flagging of Bridled Terns (Onychoprion anaethetus) in 2017 (https://eaaflyway.net/bridled-terns-onychoprion-anaethetus-ringed-in-hong-kong/), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the Hong Kong Government continued the flagging of terns in Hong Kong. The three species of breeding terns in Hong Kong, i.e. Bridled Tern, Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) and Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii), were flagged in July 2018. The flagged terns have white flag on right tibia and engraved yellow flag on right tarsus (see photo). A total of 58 terns were ringed (among these 43 were flagged) in 2018. It is aimed to find out more information on the migration route and wintering sites of these terns. Researchers and bird watchers are encouraged to report any sightings of these birds to the AFCD (ivy_wy_so@afcd.gov.hk).

Remarks: The AFCD would also like to thank the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society for their technical support in the ringing activities.

A flagged Black-naped Tern in Hong Kong (credit: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD))