First Caspian Tern record for Assomption

On a scoping trip to Assomption on behalf of Island Conservation Society, Greg Berke reported a Caspian Tern seen on 11 September 2023 flying and the following day on the south west coast..

Caspian Tern is the rarest resident bird species of Seychelles. Until recently, the only known breeding site was at Aldabra, where up to 10 pairs nest, mainly on Iles Moustiques. This was the only oceanic breeding side in the world for the species.. Then in May 2023, Island Conservation Society staff at Cosmoledo recorded the first breeding record from outside of Aldabra at Menai.

This is the first record of this species from Assomption.