The Canadian breeding range of Forster's Tern extends from Alberta through Manitoba, as well as several isolated sites in southwestern Ontario. Marshlands in the Canadian prairies host the greatest concentration of Forster’s Terns in North America, yet high turnover of colony sites in response to changing wetland conditions prevents accurate monitoring through standard surveys (McNicholl et al. 2001). Data were insufficient in 1996 to allow determination of conservation status by Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), and population trends remain poorly quantified. Thus, the status of the Forster's Tern's population in Canada is considered to be data deficient. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Although the Foster’s Tern is considered to be sensitive to the loss of wetlands (Semenchuk 2007), its nomadic movement among breeding locations may allow it to tolerate habitat change better than some other species. Occupied colony sites are often abandoned in response to fluctuations in water level or vegetation growth, but may be recolonised once suitable nesting conditions return (McNicholl et al. 2001). Reproductive success can be improved through the management and relocation of predatory gulls (Ackerman et al. 2014). As is common in other piscivorous birds, Forster's Terns may be sensitive to contaminant-induced reproductive failure (Eagles-Smith and Ackerman 2010).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
