Scientific Name: Sterna dougallii
Malay Name: Camar Jambu
Chinese Name: 粉红燕鸥
Range:
Found from the temperate and tropical latitudes in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean through to South and Southeast Asia, east to China and south to Australia.
Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: dougallii, arideensis, korustes, bangsi, gracilis.
Size: 33-39 cm
Identification:
Non-breeding adult resembles Common Tern but is slightly smaller and has longer deeply forked tail, much lighter mantle and lack black trailing edge to underwing. Breeding adult has all black cap, pinkish-tinged underparts and reddish legs.
Similar looking species: Common Tern
Habitat: Open seas and sea-coasts.
Behaviour/Ecology: Plunges steeply to fish. Seldom comes close to mainland shores.
Local Status: Very rare passage migrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2018)
Location: A bird in non-breeding plumage was sighted at Serangoon Estuary (present day Lorong Halus) on 28 Aug 1988. Specimens had also been collected from Horsburgh Lighthouse.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
Reference:
BirdLife International 2018. Sterna dougallii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018. Downloaded on 28 August 2021
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Allen Jeyarajasingam & Alan Pearson (2012) A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore
Lim Kim Seng (2009) The Avifauna of Singapore