The white-fronted tern is described as an average-sized bird. Its dimensions are in length, with a wingspan between ; the male weighs on average . Females are marginally smaller, but this is difficult to determine when observing individuals in the wild. Breaking down their monochromatic colouring, the white-fronted tern's lightest features are its all-white body, tail and underwing, with the upper side of the wings a light silvery grey hue. Through the breeding season there can be a faint pink coloration on the breast, but this is not always visible. The darkest features are the beak, black cap, eyes, feet and the shadowing on the outermost edge of the wingtips. The long ebony-like bill is slender and comes to a sharp point that dulls in colour at the tip. The crown is jet black, interrupted by a variably narrow white band between forehead and bill. The black cap continues over the crown and finishes at the nape. Inky black round eyes sit within the cap. The legs are stumpy with a deep burgundy black tone. A defining feature of the white-fronted tern is its forked tail, most recognisable when in flight and commonly drawing comparisons with a swallow's tail. In the breeding season, the outermost feathers of the tail lengthen, accentuating the already deep fork. The black cap of non-breeding adults retreats towards the top of the forehead and above the eyes, while at the same time losing some of its intensity. Immature white-fronted terns are similar but have speckles of white through the cap. Along with a slight coloration on the wings and tail, which appear as a brownish cream. The juvenile plumage is very pronounced with flecks of light to dark grey and warm milky browns on the upper side of the wing, back, and mantle. the cap is incomplete and mottled, having dark black markings in front of and behind the eyes. Voice A very dull "crek" is used in courtship when the male is flying above groups, individuals may respond with the same noise. When descending upon intruders, they will let out a continuous "keark". Generally calling between individuals is a high-pitched "siet" used frequently during flight, it will be repeated over and over in particular intervals. Distribution and habitat White-fronted terns are found in New Zealand and Australia. Juveniles will occasionally migrate across to south-east Australia and the Northern parts of Tasmania. Breeding populations in