White terns are species of terns that belong to the genus ''Gygis''. The best known (and formerly only) species in the genus is the
common white tern
The white tern or common white tern (''Gygis alba'') is a small seabird found across the tropical oceans of the world. It is sometimes known as the fairy tern, although this name is potentially confusing as it is also the common name of '' Sternu ...
. The little white tern (''
Gygis microrhyncha''), previously considered a subspecies of the white tern (''Gygis alba microrhyncha''), is now recognised as a separate species.
References
{{Taxonbar, from= Q1029511
Bird genera
Taxa named by Johann Georg Wagler