Chinese Crested Tern
CHINESE CRESTED TERN
Thalasseus bernsteini
Family Laridae
critically endangered, rare, migrant
L 420 mm (16 1/2"), wingspan 940 mm (37")
Bird #519 - December 2018
This species was presumed extinct in the late 20th century and only rediscovered in the Mazu Islands along the coast of Fujian Province in 2000. They are considered critically endangered and their population size is estimated to be 30-49. They breed in colonies in uninhabited islets. The major threat to their survival is fishermen who collect seashells and bird eggs. The colony is very sensitive to disturbance. They look similar to the fairly common Great Crested Tern. The Chinese Crested Tern has a 2-toned yellow bill with black at the tip. The Great Crested Tern has no black at the tip of the bill.
We did not think we would be able to see this bird in the Philippines. In March 2018 Pete Simpson reported two Chinese Crested Tern. This was the first record for the Philippines in 100 years. Later, there were three Chinese Crested Tern that were seen perched on bamboo posts. The birders who went to look at them were able to approach using bancas. We missed this opportunity to see them because for some inexplicable reason we had decided to stop being twitchers. We later regretted this decision! Rob Hutchinson and others felt sure the birds would return. They did return in December and we went to see them at the first opportunity!
When we went, the big groups of Great Crested Terns and Whiskered Terns that others had reported before were not there. We had a single Chinese Crested Tern that flew in front of us towards the fishing port. We saw it dive and catch a fish!
Read MoreThalasseus bernsteini
Family Laridae
critically endangered, rare, migrant
L 420 mm (16 1/2"), wingspan 940 mm (37")
Bird #519 - December 2018
This species was presumed extinct in the late 20th century and only rediscovered in the Mazu Islands along the coast of Fujian Province in 2000. They are considered critically endangered and their population size is estimated to be 30-49. They breed in colonies in uninhabited islets. The major threat to their survival is fishermen who collect seashells and bird eggs. The colony is very sensitive to disturbance. They look similar to the fairly common Great Crested Tern. The Chinese Crested Tern has a 2-toned yellow bill with black at the tip. The Great Crested Tern has no black at the tip of the bill.
We did not think we would be able to see this bird in the Philippines. In March 2018 Pete Simpson reported two Chinese Crested Tern. This was the first record for the Philippines in 100 years. Later, there were three Chinese Crested Tern that were seen perched on bamboo posts. The birders who went to look at them were able to approach using bancas. We missed this opportunity to see them because for some inexplicable reason we had decided to stop being twitchers. We later regretted this decision! Rob Hutchinson and others felt sure the birds would return. They did return in December and we went to see them at the first opportunity!
When we went, the big groups of Great Crested Terns and Whiskered Terns that others had reported before were not there. We had a single Chinese Crested Tern that flew in front of us towards the fishing port. We saw it dive and catch a fish!
