Australian Tern

Gelochelidon macrotarsa (Gould, 1837)

Australian Tern, Gelochelidon macrotarsa, is a tern of the family Laridae that breeds in inland Australia apart from the south-east and Tasmania, and moves in the non-breeding season to coastal southern New Guinea and Timor in the eastern Lesser Sundas. It is a fairly large, strong bird with a short, thick bill, broad wings, long legs and a solid body. In summer it shows pale grey upperparts, white underparts, a black cap, black bill and black legs. In winter the cap is lost and a dark mark appears through the eye.

Order

Charadriiformes

Family

Laridae — Gulls, Terns, Skimmers

Breeding range

Australasia: inland Australia (except sc, Tasmania)

Nonbreeding range

to coastal s New Guinea and Timor (e Lesser Sundas)