Thalasseus bernsteini
The Chinese Crested Tern, *Thalasseus bernsteini*, is an avian marvel, a "phoenix species" once thought extinct and now one of the world's rarest birds. This medium-sized tern measures approximately 38-42 cm in length with a wingspan of 85-90 cm, distinguished by its striking black crest that extends from the crown to the nape in breeding plumage. Its most distinctive field mark is a bright yellow-orange bill, often tipped with black, contrasting sharply with its white underparts and pale gre...
This highly specialized tern inhabits coastal areas, primarily preferring small, remote offshore islands and rocky islets for breeding, often in close proximity to rich fishing grounds. It typically breeds at sea level, rarely venturing inland.
The primary diet of the Chinese Crested Tern consists of small marine fish and, to a lesser extent, squid and crustaceans. They forage exclusively by plunge-diving into shallow coastal waters.
Chinese Crested Terns are diurnal and highly social birds, forming dense breeding colonies, almost invariably nestled within larger aggregations of Greater Crested Terns. Their foraging strategy involves spectacular plunge-diving from heights of several meters to catch small fish near the water's...
The breeding range of the Chinese Crested Tern is incredibly restricted, known only from a handful of small, remote offshore islands along the coast of Southeast China and Taiwan. Key breeding sites include the Mazu Islands, the Wuzhishan Archipelago in Zhejiang Province, and other isolated islet...
Critically Endangered
- Known as a "phoenix species" because it was presumed extinct for over 60 years before its rediscovery. - The species was first described in 1861 but was not seen by ornithologists between 1937 and 2000. - Its total global breeding population is estimated to be fewer than 100 individuals, making...