Gelochelidon macrotarsa
The Australian Tern, *Gelochelidon macrotarsa*, is a distinctive and adaptable tern species renowned for its robust, gull-like bill, a feature that sets it apart from many of its more slender-billed relatives. This medium-sized tern typically measures 33-42 cm in length with a wingspan of 76-88 cm, sporting a sturdy build and relatively short, shallowly forked tail. Adults in breeding plumage exhibit a striking black cap extending to the nape, contrasting sharply with their grey upperparts an...
Primarily found in coastal wetlands, estuaries, saltmarshes, and lagoons, but also frequents inland freshwater lakes, rivers, and even temporary floodplains, generally at low elevations.
Its diet is remarkably opportunistic and diverse, primarily consisting of large insects (e.g., dragonflies, grasshoppers, beetles), small fish, crustaceans, frogs, and occasionally small reptiles or even rodents, snatched from the surface or ground.
Australian Terns are diurnal and gregarious, often roosting in large flocks on sand spits or mudflats when not breeding. Their foraging strategy is distinctive, involving a buoyant, hawking flight over water or land, swooping down to snatch prey from the surface or ground without fully landing or...
The Australian Tern is endemic to Australia, with its primary breeding range extending across coastal and inland wetlands throughout much of the continent, particularly in eastern and northern Australia, including Tasmania. During the non-breeding season, these birds are largely resident or under...
Least Concern
- The scientific name *Gelochelidon* is derived from Greek, meaning 'gull-swallow,' aptly describing its gull-like bill and graceful, tern-like flight. - Unlike most other terns, the Australian Tern rarely plunge-dives, preferring to seize prey from the water's surface or even dry land. - It is o...