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Lesser Crested Tern

Thalasseus bengalensis

Least Concern
Wingspan
58.6 cm
Weight
212.25 g
Family
Laridae
Order
Charadriiformes

About

Lesser Crested Tern, 35–37 cm, breeds colonially on islands across the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from Red Sea to Australia. Orange bill, black crest, grey mantle. Coastal piscivore; plunge-dives in tropical waters. Gregarious; often nests with Greater Crested Terns.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 58.6 cm 23.1 in
Weight 212.25 g 7.49 oz

Habitat & Range

Conservation Status

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: SC. Incubation: 21-26 days. Fledging: 30-35 days.

Clutch Size

1-2

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls)
Family Laridae (Gulls & Terns)
Genus Thalasseus
Species Thalasseus bengalensis

Distribution

Lesser Crested Tern has been recorded in 2 countries.

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Present Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lesser Crested Tern endangered?
The Lesser Crested Tern has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Lesser Crested Tern nest?
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 21-26 days. Fledging: 30-35 days.
How big is the Lesser Crested Tern?
The Lesser Crested Tern has a wingspan of 58.6 cm, weight of 212.25 g.
What order and family does the Lesser Crested Tern belong to?
The Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) belongs to the order Charadriiformes and the family Laridae.

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