Direct Field Observation Reveals Whiskered Terns Chlidonias hybrida Preying on Fish Much Larger than Themselves

Key Points

• Whiskered terns have been observed preying on fish much larger than their typical catch, demonstrating unique predation behavior.
• A tern captured a great blue spotted mudskipper measuring approximately 15 cm, matching its own body length, revealing its aggressive feeding habits.
• Observations in South Sumatra used direct field methods to reveal this behavior, emphasizing the importance of field studies for understanding animal interactions.
• Such findings may indicate the versatility of whiskered terns in adapting their hunting strategies under specific conditions.