Lesser Crested Tern

Thalasseus bengalensis

Family: Skimmers, Noddies, Terns, and Gulls · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 35–40 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs along coasts from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, southern Pakistan to northern Australia; a non-breeding coastal visitor, mostly in winter, to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Non-breeding adult resembles Greater Crested Tern but is smaller and has an orange bill. Breeding adult has black crown and nape (including extreme forehead) and a brighter orange bill. Juvenile distinguished from juvenile Greater Crested Tern by orange bill.

Habitat

Open seas, sea-coasts, mudflats, and sandflats; recorded at the Straits of Singapore, Changi, and Pulau Ubin.

Behaviour

Feeds by plunge-diving for fish.