Lesser Crested Tern

Scientific Name: Thalasseus bengalensis
Malay Name: Camar Berjambul Kecil
Chinese Name: 小凤头燕鸥

Range:
Found along the coasts of Africa to Arabian Peninsula, southern Pakistan to northern Australia. Non-breeding coastal visitor (mostly winter) to Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: emigratus, bengalensis, torresii.

Size: 35-40 cm

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

Similar looking species: Greater Crested Tern

Habitat: Open seas, sea-coasts, mudflats and sandflats.

Behaviour/Ecology: Feeds by plunge-diving for fish.

Local Status: Uncommon migrant

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2018)

Location: Straits of Johor, Straits of Singapore, Changi and Pulau Ubin.

Featured articles:

• Pelagic Bird Survey at the Singapore Strait – 5 May 2018 (Trip Reports)
• Pelagic Bird Survey to the Horsburgh Lighthouse – 29 April 2017 (Trip Reports)

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

Lesser Crested Tern in breeding plumage at Singapore Strait. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Lesser Crested Tern in breeding plumage at Singapore Strait. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Non-breeding Lesser Crested Tern at Singapore Strait. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Non-breeding Lesser Crested Tern at Singapore Strait. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Non-breeding Lesser Crested Tern at Singapore Strait. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Lesser Crested Terns in breeding and non-breeding plumages at Singapore Strait. Photo Credit: Francis Yap