I know these are Crested Terns but there wasn't any information on the different types of Terns here on the bird finder when looking yesterday.
I saw these at Ricketts Point, Beaumaris, Victoria, yesterday while out on a photowalk. I believe there are two or three different types.
I don't know if we have both terns here(Lesser and Greater),but if we do these look like the Greater terns to me.
Thanks Nathan. I couldn't find any descriptions on the bird finder so wasn't sure. And photos in wikipedia look like the same bird for both descriptions.
I did manage to get one reasonable close up of a tern standing on a rock. It looks like it has a band on one leg. From what I've read, both the lesser and greater terns are in low quantities here in Victoria.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
those appear to be Greater Crested Terns, indicators are lemon-yellow bill rather than orange, broad white line between black crown & bill, the bird (3rd pic) with the reduced black crown is in non-breeding plumage; further, I do not believe that the Lesser Crested gets into NSW let alone Vic; when I am back from some leave I will post pics of the 2 species; also if you have a Simpson & Day guide be careful as the sketch title have been mixed up
Peter
Thanks Peter. Always good to know I can come here and get information from those in the know.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
Kathiemt i belleve yours is a crested tern looks a lot like mine unless i have it wrong..... cheers
Thanks, I know it's a crested tern but which one is what I was curious about. I've read that both the Greater and Lesser are endangered here in Victoria but couldn't find out a great deal more. They look very similar to me from the pictures and descriptions I've seen and read. The bird finder here on this site doesn't give much information about crested terns at all.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
Crested tern is also known as the greater crested tern they are the same bird according to all my books , then there is the lesser crested tern ,dose that clear it up for you ....cheers
Yes, that does. Thank you very much.
Kathiemt
Selby, Victoria
Kathie, here's some pics of 1) Greater Crested Tern, adult, today Rottnest Is WA 2) Greater Crested Tern, non-breeding, today Rottnest Is WA and 3) Lesser Crested Tern, non-breeding, 12/2/11 Lady Musgrave Is Qld - I believe that these show the differences between the species
Peter