How do terns care for chicks in large nesting colonies?

In large nesting colonies, terns exhibit specific behaviors to care for their chicks:

• Feeding: Unlike gulls, most terns do not regurgitate food for their young. Instead, they bring whole fish back to the colony, which the chicks then energetically peck at to receive.1
• Colony Dynamics: Nests can be so closely spaced that neighboring birds may spar with their bills while incubating.1
• Protection: Terns are known for being fierce in their mobbing attacks against predators.1
• Chick Behavior: In some species, such as the royal tern, chicks band together shortly after leaving the nest. If a predator approaches, these groups may take to the water for safety.1
• Territoriality: Similar to gulls, adult terns may peck and kill chicks that wander into their established territories.1