“The egg has a much better chance to hatch successfully there.”
Christopher Jean-Luc Mahoune works at a special sanctuary on Cousin Island in the Seychelles, dedicated to protecting birds, including white terns, a seabird species found in tropical regions worldwide.
“White terns are easily recognizable by their all-white plumage and striking blue and black beaks,” Mahoune said.
These birds, however, are known for more than their striking appearance. Unlike most birds that construct nests with twigs and sticks, white terns adopt a far simpler approach. They find a depression or groove—often on a tree branch—and deposit a single egg there.
This unconventional nesting behavior has its drawbacks. The eggs, exposed to the elements and often precariously placed, can fall and be lost during windy weather.
But one clever tern on Cousin Island has found a creative solution.
“In this particular instance, the egg was laid on the balcony of one of our staff accommodations,” Mahoune said.
The bird discovered a small divot in the balcony railing, sheltered from the weather, which perfectly cradled her egg.
“It was indeed a surprising discovery,” Mahoune said.
The staff have named the bird Mystic, and she’s become a welcome housemate.
“Observing her nesting up close is truly refreshing,” Mahoune said. “It’s remarkable to think people spend thousands on [camera] equipment to capture a similar view, while we have the privilege of sharing our home with her.”
Thanks to the lack of predators and minimal human disturbance on the island, white terns like Mystic thrive and have developed trust in their surroundings.
“It’s incredible how their behavior reflects this trust,” Mahoune said.
Mystic’s clever choice of a nesting spot provides her egg with a strong chance of survival. The sheltered railing protects it from the island’s rainy season and strong winds.
“[Mystic] is doing fine,” Mahoune said. “Her egg is well-protected and has a much better chance of hatching successfully there.”
With any luck, Mystic and her baby will continue to thrive in the weeks ahead, adding another success story to the sanctuary’s efforts.