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Crested Tern

(Sterna bergii)
Size: 43-48 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Crested Terns live all around the coastline of Australia, including Bass Strait and Tasmania, plus all offshore islands, the continental shelf and the sea north of Australia. They are not found anywhere inland.

Crested Terns can be found along the coastline, above the sea just offshore and on beaches. They also venture farther out to sea, above the continental shelf.

Sightings

First sighted by us in Australia at Myall Lakes National Park, 50 km north of Newcastle, NSW, in June 2009. In January 2011 also seen in the area from Urunga to Hat Head, NSW.

Spotted by C. Kellenberg at Point Plomer, Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve, NSW, in February 2009.

Additional information

Also seen and photographed by us in Oman.

Photos

Lateral view of a Crested Tern in its breeding plumage; photo courtesy of C. Kellenberg

Here a Crested Tern in its non-breeding plumage; photo courtesy of C. Kellenberg

Crested Terns with their wings lifted slightly; photo courtesy of C. Kellenberg

Here's a fish that didn't get away - envious onlookers are moving in; photo courtesy of C. Kellenberg

Lateral view of an immature Crested Tern; photo courtesy of C. Kellenberg

Lateral view of a Crested Tern that has been ringed; next to it a resting Silver Gull

The two species are often seen to stay close to each other resting on beaches

Crested Tern with its pray in flight

Crested Terns taking a bath

Food

Like all terns, Crested Terns feed on fish, which they catch with their bills just under the water surface in a steep high-speed dive from considerable height.