Crested Tern

Crested Terns (Sterna bergil) are large Terns with white chests, grey wings, yellow bill and shaggy black crests on crown and nape. Nests on ground in vegetated areas.

Crested Terns are Breeding Seabirds. Breeding seabirds arrive on Lady Elliot Island solely to nest and raise their young between September and March.

What is a seabird?
Of all the species found in Australia only 4% are classified as seabirds .  These birds spend most of their time out at sea (often only coming onto land to breed).  Feed predominantly from the ocean and drink seawater.  They have the ability to desalinate water through salt glands at the back of their skull and then get rid of the excess salt by letting it run down their nasal passages.  Generally only lay one egg per season, some species two.