Australia are only observed in the Bass Strait, on Flinders and Cape Barren Islands. They are the most abundant tern in New Zealand and live along the entire coastline. In the North Island, there are significant populations from Auckland to the Bay of Plenty including the Coromandel Peninsula and they are widespread along the coast from Wellington, up towards Manawatu. In the South Island, they are a familiar sight in the Marlborough Sounds and along the east coast into Canterbury, Otago and Southland, where they can be seen year-round. Stewart Island also has flocks and breeding pairs throughout the year. Apart from the main coastline of New Zealand they also populate many of the smaller islands, with large numbers of breeding pairs observed on both the Chatham and the Auckland Islands. They seldom head inland, but there have been recordings of them in the Canterbury area, where they travel up the large braided rivers to feed and nest. Habitat preferences White-fronted terns can be found in a variety of coastal habitats. With large flocks preferring coastal waters, harbours, bays and estuaries where they are content to live on either sand, shell or shingle ground. Occasionally living on the stony banks of Canterbury's braided rivers. Not confined to just main coastal areas, white-fronted terns frequent coastal cliffs, offshore rock-stacks and small islands. White-fronted terns can also be found on human-made structures. as in Tauranga Harbour, where breeding pairs have taken up residence on disused concrete support structures. Behaviour and ecology White-fronted terns have a reputation for being difficult to monitor and study due to their unpredictable nature. It becomes very apparent in the breeding season, as white-fronted terns seldom return to the same breeding sites year after year, making it difficult for a clear indication of numbers and breeding results. Breeding Courtship begins in early October when the warmth of spring has arrived and can continue into January, with individuals constantly arriving at various breeding grounds. A male will fly in from sea with a fish delicately held in its bill; it will fly above groups of females and attempt to gain their attention by calling to them. The male may land and strut around with head and fish held high to attract more attention from potential mates and there may be a suggestive approach by female/s seeking to have the fish fed to them. But at this point, the male