Lesser Crested Tern
Lesser Crested Tern
95
4 months ago
door
Jacob
Points:
95
J
Spotted by
The Lesser Crested Tern is a medium-large tern with a shaggy black crest and a prominent orange bill. It is a highly social seabird, often found in large, noisy colonies on coastal islands. This species is an agile flyer and a strong plunge-diver, feeding primarily on fish.
Where to spot
Widespread across the tropical and subtropical coasts of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and parts of the Pacific (Australia, Southeast Asia). Inhabits sandy beaches, coral cays, and offshore islands.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive orange bill, shaggy black crest, pale grey upperparts, and white underparts. Observe its strong, direct flight and powerful plunge-dives for fish. Scan coastal areas for large, active colonies or flocks resting on beaches.
When to spot
Resident year-round in much of its range, with some populations undertaking local migrations. Breeding typically occurs from April to July in the northern hemisphere and during austral summer in the south. Best observed during daylight hours along coastlines.
Where to spot
Widespread across the tropical and subtropical coasts of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and parts of the Pacific (Australia, Southeast Asia). Inhabits sandy beaches, coral cays, and offshore islands.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive orange bill, shaggy black crest, pale grey upperparts, and white underparts. Observe its strong, direct flight and powerful plunge-dives for fish. Scan coastal areas for large, active colonies or flocks resting on beaches.
When to spot
Resident year-round in much of its range, with some populations undertaking local migrations. Breeding typically occurs from April to July in the northern hemisphere and during austral summer in the south. Best observed during daylight hours along coastlines.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Lesser Crested Terns often breed in extremely dense colonies, with nests sometimes placed just inches apart, showcasing their strong colonial behavior.
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