MyTern AUSTRALIA
A po ck et g ui de t o th e te rn s of A us tr al ia
Caspian Terns, Glenn Ehmke
MyTern.indd 1 22/5/19 10:44 am Co nt en ts
Introduction ...... 3
General habitat ...... 4
Nesting habitat ...... 5
Chicks ...... 6
Feeding strategies ...... 7
Threats ...... 8
Tips for identifying similar-looking terns...... 9
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0#)1&(%1(\%345(------(67
8*1%5*)%13(5#)1&------9/
Counting techniques ...... 32
BirdLife Australia projects ...... 38
Ke y fo r sp ec ie s’ p ro fil es bp = breeding plumage nbp = non-breeding plumage juv = juvenile plumage Note: the size (cm) of each species refers to body length, the images are not drawn to scale, and the distribution maps are based on all species’ records in Australia (from BirdLife Australia Atlas data).
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MyTern.indd 2 22/5/19 10:44 am In tr od uc ti on 04%&(:**;,#5(%&(<([#,=($*>"<1%*1(?*)(>*1%5*)%13(@A&5)<,%<1( terns. MyTern contains key information about the habitat, =%&5)%:A5%*1B(1#&5%13()#CA%)#>#15&(<1=(%=#15%[$<5%*1(*?(5#)1&- Terns are in the subfamily Sterninae and are closely related to gulls, but are smaller, slimmer and longer-tailed. Noddies are very closely related and appear similar to terns (but have a wedge-shaped tail and inverse colouration: light cap and dark body). Twenty species of terns and three species of noddies have been recorded in Australia, including migratory &"#$%#&( <1=( D<3)<15&-( 8*&5( 5#)1&( 4A15( [&4( *)( <)54)*"*=&( (insects and crustaceans) by diving, skimming the surface of the water, or on the wing. 0#)1&( <)#( <( &%31%[$<15( "<)5( *?( ><1E( ><)%1#( <1=( %&,<1=( ecosystems and are good indicators of ecosystem health, as they are high order predators. Terns are relatively easy to monitor due to their high visibility and they often occur in large groups at breeding and roosting sites. Three species of terns are presently threatened at the state, national and/or international level; these are the Little Tern, Fairy Tern and Roseate Tern. Monitoring of these species is important for identifying threats and population trends to aid their conservation.
Crested Terns, Dean Ingwersen
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MyTern.indd 3 22/5/19 10:44 am Ge ne ra l ha bi ta t Terns depend on aquatic and terrestrial environments for their survival. Put simply, they mostly feed offshore or close to water but roost and breed on land. Terns can breed on: #( ocean beaches (above the high tide mark) #( cliffs #( )*$;E(\<5&( #( sand dunes #( estuarine foreshores #( islands #( freshwater inland wetlands Terns tend to nest in exposed and open areas to look out for danger, and they mostly nest near water. Outside their breeding colonies, terns can be found in roosts, which are a congregation of all ages and reproductive conditions. Terns can roost on beaches, sand banks, spits and islets. Depending on the species, foraging occurs over pelagic waters (pelagic species like Bridled and Sooty Terns have long wings for foraging in these areas), coastal waters, in #&5A<)%#&B(&4*<,&B(5%=<,(,<3**1&B(?)#&4G<5#)(,<;#&B(>A=\<5&B( \**=#=()%$#[#,=&(<1=("<&5A)#&-
Gull-billed Terns, Charles Dove
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MyTern.indd 4 22/5/19 10:44 am Ne st in g ha bi ta t Most terns nest in a shallow depression on the ground in bare sand, soil or mud. Nests may also be among rocks or low plants. They can be sparsely lined with plant matter, feathers, stones and shells. Some Little Tern nest, Charles Dove species also surround their nest with debris and vegetation. Plants used for nesting include seaweed, saltbush, beach daisy and pigface. More unusual nest placement occurs in some species: Whiskered Terns 1#&5(*1(<()
low bushes. Sooty Tern on nest, Andrew Silcocks Most species produce a single clutch "#)(&#<&*1(H.MJ(#33&K(=A)%13(&")%13(<1=(&A>>#)-(L*54(&#M#&( %1$A:<5#(54#(#33&(H?*)(N9/(=
Black-naped Tern, Fairy Tern, Nicole Andrews Dean Ingwersen
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MyTern.indd 5 22/5/19 10:44 am Ch ic ks
Tern chicks are semi-precocial: born well developed, feathered and with their eyes open. The downy chicks are grey, brown- :,<$;(*)(:A??(%1($*,*A)(<1=(>*55,#=(5*($<>*A\<3#(G%54(54#%)( surroundings. For most tern species, chicks rely entirely on 54#%)( "<)#15&( 5*( ")*D%=#( ?**=( <1=( &4#,5#)( ?*)( 54#( [)&5( ?*A)( G##;&-(@?5#)(54<5(54#E(<)#(<,>*&5(?A,,E(3)*G1(<1=($<1(\E(<1=( forage independently. During the chick phase, parents take turns foraging and feeding the chicks, either at the nest or close to the nesting area. Older chicks may gather in loose groups called crèches; this behaviour is typical for species such as the Crested Tern.
Stages of Little Tern development. Top left: The clutch hatches over a 24 4*A)("#)%*=-(S1(54#([)&5(%><3#B(*1#($4%$;(4<&(4<5$4#=(4*A)&(#<),%#)(<1=(%&(=)E( <1=(\A??EB(G4%,#(54#(&#$*1=(#33(4<&(<($)<$;(<""#<)%13-( Top right: The second chick is still wet following hatching, and the third egg is yet to hatch. Bottom left: (@(E*A13B(\%345,#&&($4%$;(%&($<,,%13(?*)(?**=B( 6 MyTern.indd 6 22/5/19 10:44 am Fe ed in g st ra te gi es Hover and plunge: Most tern &"#$%#&( 4*D#)( H<5( 6M.P>K( over the water, with their body horizontal and bill pointing down, and then plunge to capture their prey (sometimes submerging completely). This is done over shallow coastal waters, just beyond the surf zone, over pelagic waters, or near rocks, reefs and submerged seagrass beds. Some species might also hover and dive to take prey over wetlands and marshlands. Little Tern, Charles Dove Dipping: Some species dip %1( \%345( 5*( $<"5A)#( 54#%)( ")#E( over the water or just below its surface. This strategy can <,&*(:#(A&#=(*D#)(>A=(\<5&(*)( $A,5%D<5#=([#,=&-( White-fronted Tern, Charles Dove Aerial hawking: Some species, such as the Whiskered Tern or White-winged Black Tern, can feed by aerial hawking (feeding on the wing). Whiskered Tern, Andrew Silcocks 7 MyTern.indd 7 22/5/19 10:44 am Th re at s #( Disturbance of breeding colonies leading to abandonment of eggs and chicks #( Rubbish on land or in the water can cause entanglements, be ingested or attract predators #( Predation of adults, chicks and eggs by feral and domestic cats and dogs, foxes and rats #( Predation of eggs and chicks by native Silver Gulls, crows, ravens and pelicans, often as a result of human disturbance to nesting birds #( Habitat loss from coastal development, invasive plants and sea-level rise #( V#",#5%*1( *?( ")#E( 54)*A34( *D#)[&4%13B( 4<:%5<5( ,*&&B( climate change and/or poor water quality Fairy Terns, Bill Betts Recreation vs. Procreation! Tern nesting sites may look like any old stretch of beach to us, but they are often located strategically: close to feeding grounds and protected from the prevailing weather conditions. When their nesting sites overlap with popular recreation areas, the terns cannot simply move to a new location to nest. Human disturbance is a major cause *?(=#&#)5%*1(<1=(?<%,A)#(<5(&*>#(5#)1($*,*1%#&Q("<)#15(:%)=&(G%,,(\##( the nest and expose their eggs and chicks to predators, and eggs may also be crushed by people or recreational vehicles. For humans to coexist with tern colonies, we may have to adjust where and when we swim, walk, exercise dogs, picnic, drive off-road vehicles or bird- watch for a short period of the year - a simple solution that could save our seabirds from extinction. 8 MyTern.indd 8 22/5/19 10:44 am Ti ps f or i de nt if yi ng s im il ar -l oo ki ng t er ns Fairy Tern !" Sturdy bill, all yellow Little Tern !" Long thin bill, yellow Breeding !" Thicker white line on (bp) with black tip plumage (bp) upper edge of folded !" The black eye line primaries* reaches the bill !" Bulkier Fairy Tern !" Paler upperparts Little Tern !" Darker carpal bar* Non-breeding !" Wing tips only (nbp) !" Cap more receded plumage slightly darker than !" Dark wing tips, (nbp) rest of wing (all 1*5%$#<:,#(%1(\%345(H<,,( seasons) seasons) Australian !" Continuous Common !" Broken black eye mark Gull-billed elongated black eye Gull-billed !" @"")*M%><5#,E(6/W( mark Tern Tern smaller !" White cap streaked !" Looks similar to (macrotarsa ) black (!"[$%& ) macrotarsa when eclipse !" Paler upperparts eclipse breeding, but only !" Heavier bill in breeding plumage !" Stand taller, longer March/April legs Whiskered !" Slightly heavier bill White- !" Distinct black Tern (nbp) !" Less distinct eye winged ‘headphone’ mark ><);B([1%&4%13(<5( Black Tern behind eye (comes below eye line) eye line (nbp) !" Paler rump !" Lighter and buoyant %1(\%345( !" Slightly smaller White- !" Thicker white line on Common !" Shorter bill fronted Tern upper edge of folded Tern (nbp) !" Greyer upperparts (nbp) primaries* !" Smaller !" Longer more deeply forked tail Black-naped !" Bigger and bulkier Little Tern !" L,<$;(#E#(,%1#([1%&4#&( Tern (bp and !" Paler upperparts (nbp) in square patch (not nbp) !" Tail longer and point) deeply forked !" Fine dark mottling on crown Crested !" Yellow bill Lesser !" Orange-yellow bill Tern (bp and !" Bigger in size Crested nbp) Tern (bp and nbp) *Note (M(U<)"<,(:<)(X($*15)<&5%13(:<1=(*1(A""#)G%13-(T)%><)%#&(X(")%><)E(?#<54 - #)&B(Q[13#)5%"R(?#<54#)&B(54#(,*13#&5(*1(<(:%)=R&(G%13- 9 MyTern.indd 9 22/5/19 10:44 am Fa ir y Te rn St er nu la n er ei s (22 –24 cm) IUCN Vulnerable Black cap extends from bill to nape bp Crown mostly white Pale outer and mottled black primaries Orange-yellow bill, lacks black tip Dull yellow legs nbp Distribution: Found along the WA coastline, east to Tas and Vic. Most common in WA and rare in NSW, NT and Qld. Movements poorly known, appears to be partly migratory. The Tas and south-west Australian populations are migratory, but in Vic and SA, they appear not to move regularly. Also has a subspecies found on Coral Sea islands. Habitat and prey: Found on coastal beaches, inshore and offshore islands, sheltered inlets, sewage farms, estuaries and lagoons. It favours both fresh and saline wetlands. Feeds <,>*&5(#15%)#,E(*1([&4- Breeding behaviour: Nests above high water mark on sheltered beaches, spits, banks and ridges. Breeds in small colonies. Sometimes interbreeds with Little Terns where range overlaps. Breeding season: (!#"5#>:#)MR#:)A<)E- ./ MyTern.indd 10 22/5/19 10:44 am Li tt le T er n St er nu la a lb if ro ns (20 –23 cm) Endangered (NSW, Tas, Qld) Dark crown bp Yellow bill Mainly white with Black eye-line with black pale grey back and extends to bill tip upperwings Receded cap Black bill nbp Distribution: In northern Australia from Shark Bay, WA, to the Gulf of Carpentaria, and along the east coast to Tas and farther west to the Coorong. Migratory, after breeding approximately Z/W( *?( 54#( "*"A,<5%*1( >*D#( 5*( @&%<( %1( 54#%)( 1*1O:)##=%13( plumage. Little Terns also breed in Japan, which can result in >%M#=(\*$;&(%1(:)##=%13(<1=(1*1O:)##=%13(",A><3#- Habitat and prey: Mainly coastal, found on beaches, sheltered inlets, estuaries, lakes, sewage farms, lagoons and )%D#)( >*A54&-( R##=&( *1( &><,,( [&4B( %1&#$5&B( $)A&5<$#<1&( <1=( other invertebrates. Breeding behaviour: Breeds on sand spits, banks, ridges or islets in sheltered coastal environments, also on sandy ocean beaches. Breeding season: September M[<1A<)EB(>%345(=%??#)(&,%345,E(%1( northern Australia. .. MyTern.indd 11 22/5/19 10:44 am Ro se at e Te rn St er na d ou ga ll ii (35 –40 cm) bp IUCN Least Concern Black cap extending down neck Tail streamers are white Long, narrow, black and red bill Darker bill later in breeding season Long, red legs White forehead Darker legs in immature birds nbp Red legs in non- breeding adults Distribution: West, north and north-east coasts from south- west WA to south-east Qld. Breeds mostly along the coasts of WA and Qld. Habitat and prey: Blue water seas, often near offshore coral or continental islands. Rarely inshore or near mainland, only if 1#&5%13(*1(%&,<1=&(1#<):E-(\*5(*?5#1(&##1(%1(,<)3#(\*$;&B(<1=( can roost with other terns. 8*&5,E(#<5&([&4- Breeding behaviour: Breeds on offshore islands, cays and banks, mainly on sand, coral or rocks. Nests in small to large colonies. Breeding season: \*D#>:#)M@A3A&5- .6 MyTern.indd 12 22/5/19 10:44 am Bl ac k- na pe d Te rn St er na s um at ra na (30 –32 cm) Diagnostic narrow black band from bp eye to nape Slender build Deeply forked tail in flight Black crescent on ear coverts nbp Dark tail in immature birds Distribution: Mostly found in north-east Australia near the Torres Strait, Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, also breeds within this region. Habitat and prey: Associated with offshore sand cays, coral cays or rocky islands. Forage inshore near coral reefs, but forages more at sea outside of the breeding season. Feeds entirely *1([&4-( Breeding behaviour: Breeds on beaches or coral cays or islands in narrow strip just above the high tide mark. Mostly nests in small colonies. Breeding season: @A3A&5M8<)$4- .9 MyTern.indd 13 22/5/19 10:44 am Co mm on T er n St er na h ir un do (32 –37 cm) Black crown extends from bill to nape bp Dirty white crown White forehead Black bill nbp Black legs Distribution: A regular non-breeding visitor to Australia; numerous on the north and east coasts of Australia, but rare in the far south-west. Habitat and prey: Mainly coastal and found in offshore waters, ocean beaches, estuaries and large lakes. Occasionally seen in freshwater swamps and brackish and saline lakes. Mainly #<5&([&4B(:A5(<,&*( .J MyTern.indd 14 22/5/19 10:44 am Wh it e- fr on te d Te rn St er na s tr ia ta (35 -43 cm) White front bp Mostly white with grey back Thick white line and wings on upper edge of folded primaries Black cap does not extend as far, leaving white forehead Deeply forked tail in flight Legs mottled red and black nbp Black legs Distribution: Distributed along the south-east coast of Australia, from southern Qld to Tas and west to SA, mostly as a winter visitor. Mostly breeds in NZ and Tas (Flinders Island and Cape L<))#1(S&,<1=K-(@"")*M%><5#,E(Z/W(*?(@A&5)<,%<1()#$*)=&(<)#(*?( :%)=&(%1(54#%)([)&5(E#<)- Habitat and prey: Occurs in coastal seas and exposed rocky $*<&5&(<1=(?*)<3#&(>*&5,E(*1([&4-( Breeding behaviour: Nests in colonies with hundreds or thousands of breeding pairs, frequently in association with other tern species. Colonies can be on islets, reefs, cliffs, sand dunes and beaches. Breeding season: ]$5*:#)MR#:)A<)E- .P MyTern.indd 15 22/5/19 10:44 am Wh is ke re d Te rn Ch li do ni as h yb ri da (26 –27 cm) Red bill (and legs) Short, slightly forked Black crown tail in flight (looks bp square compared to other terns) White cheeks and Streaked neck crown Dark, grey underparts White nbp forehead Blackish legs White underparts (and bill) Distribution: Scattered and widespread in most regions of mainland Australia, except for the arid zones. Migratory and nomadic. Breeding is most numerous in the south-east interior. Habitat and prey: Shallow freshwater wetlands and swamps, brackish and saline lakes, sewage farms, irrigated croplands <1=(,<)3#(=<>&-(8<%1,E(#<5(&><,,([&4B(<>"4%:%<1&B( crustaceans and insects. Breeding behaviour: Breeds in loose colonies in large inland swamps and marshes. Breeding season: !#"5#>:#)M December, but can be erratic. .^ MyTern.indd 16 22/5/19 10:44 am Wh it e- wi ng ed B la ck T er n Ch li do ni as l eu co pt er us (22 –24 cm) Black body bp Short bill Grey wings nbp Grey back Black ear-phone and tail shape behind the eye OE-white underwings and underparts Distribution: Found in coastal and sub-coastal areas of Tas, and north, east, and south-east mainland Australia. Breeds in northern Eurasia, and is a non-breeding summer migrant to Australia. Habitat and prey: Found mostly in coastal or sub-coastal wetlands, including tidal estuaries, lagoons, grassy swamps, and sewage ponds. R##=&(*1(%1&#$5&B(&"%=#)&(<1=([&4- Breeding behaviour: Does not breed in Australia, but many birds acquire their breeding plumage before departing for Eurasia. ._ MyTern.indd 17 22/5/19 10:44 am So ot y Te rn On yc ho pr io n fu sc at us (40 –46 cm) White forehead patch finishes above eye White streaks through black cap bp Black upperparts and white underparts Shorter tail streamers nbp Tail deeply forked Dark legs (in flight) with long streamers Distribution: Mainly found in tropical seas off WA and Qld, where they nest on islands and reefs, with sporadic sightings on coasts in south-west and south-east Australia. Habitat and prey: Offshore and pelagic zones of tropical waters, rarely inshore. Forages at sea and mostly eats cephalopods, $)A&5<$#<1&(<1=([&4- Breeding behaviour: Nests on vegetated coral cays and offshore islands and stacks. Can nest in very large colonies. Breeding season: (!#"5#>:#)M [<1A<)E(<1=(@")%,M]$5*:#)(%1(`,=- .7 MyTern.indd 18 22/5/19 10:44 am Br id le d Te rn On yc ho pr io n an ae th et us (36 –42 cm) White band extending bp over eye Brownish-grey upperparts Stout bill Long legs Distribution: Mainly found on coasts of WA, NT and Qld. Habitat and prey: Offshore in tropical and subtropical seas, often well away from land, over pelagic waters. Forages in open &#<&(<1=(>*&5,E(#<5&([&4-( Breeding Behaviour: Breeds on offshore coral cays, rocky islands and rock stacks. Nests are usually concealed in crevices or caves or among or under rocks. Nests in small to large groups. Breeding season: October-March. .Z MyTern.indd 19 22/5/19 10:44 am Co mm on N od dy An ou s st ol id us (40 –45 cm) Thin white line from base of bill bp to rear of eye Dull white cap Dark brown plumage (underwing lighter than body) Long wedge- Long stout bill, shaped tail in slightly curved flight Duller and mottled cap in juvenile birds juv Distribution: Mainly off coast of Qld, but also north-west WA and Pilbara coast. Habitat and prey: During non-breeding season, mostly found %1( "#,<3%$( G<5#)&-( 8*&5,E( #<5&( [&4B( :A5( <,&*( &CA%=B( >*,,A&$&B( insects and even Pandanus fruit. Breeding behaviour: Breeds on or near rocky islands or coral cays. Often breeds on or among clumps of grass or herbs. Breeding season: Varies greatly; can breed annually or twice a year, in spring to early summer and autumn. 6/ MyTern.indd 20 22/5/19 10:44 am Bl ac k No dd y An ou s mi nu tu s (3 5–4 0cm ) White cap Slender, straight bill bp Sooty black plumage (underwing similar colour to body) More clearly defined white cap in juvenile birds juv Distribution: Mostly off north-east and east coasts of Qld, also found off coast of northern WA and NSW. Habitat and prey: Wooded tropical or subtropical islands and &A))*A1=%13(&#<&-(R##=&(><%1,E(*1([&4B(&CA%=(<1=($)A&5<$#<1&- Breeding behaviour: Mostly breeds in tall, sheltered trees. Often in large colonies (tens of thousands). Breeding season: ]$5*:#)M8<)$4B( peaking in November and December. 6. MyTern.indd 21 22/5/19 10:44 am Cr es te d Te rn Th al as se us b er gi i (43 –48 cm) Black cap and crest bp Yellow Long deeply bill forked tail in Grey upperparts flight White forehead merging to black spotting on crown nbp White underparts Distribution: There are few stretches of the Australian coastline where the Crested Tern cannot be seen. Habitat and prey: Found on exposed ocean beaches or sheltered embayments, such as bays, harbours, %1,#5&B( #&5A<)%#&( <1=( ,<3**1&-( 8<%1,E( #<5&( [&4( <1=( occasionally prawns and squid. Breeding behaviour: Breeds in large 3)*A"&(*?(&*>#5%>#&(*D#)(.///( individuals. Breed on islands, cays and banks of sand, shells, coral or rock. Breeding season: ]$5*:#)M December. 22 MyTern.indd 22 22/5/19 10:44 am Le ss er C re st ed T er n Th al as se us b en ga le ns is (37 –42 cm) Black cap and crest bp Long orange bill Grey upperparts and white underparts White forehead and forecrown nbp Distribution: Widespread along northern coasts and most breeding colonies occur in eastern Qld. Habitat and prey: Prefers sand and coral cays, especially 54*&#(G%54(a6PW(D#3#5<5%*1($*D#)-(8*&5,E(?*)<3#&(%1(%1&4*)#( G<5#)&B()<)#,E(&##1(<5(*"#1(&#<-(8*&5,E(#<5&([&4-( Breeding behaviour: Breeds in open areas, including beaches, low lying sandbanks and coral cays. Nests in small to large colonies. Breeding season: ]$5*:#)M8 23 MyTern.indd 23 22/5/19 10:44 am Au st ra li an G ul l- bi ll ed T er n Ge lo ch el id on n il ot ic a ma cr ot ar sa ( 35– 38c m) bp Black crown extends from Head mainly bill to nape white with streaked Grey back brownish- and wings grey crown Stout black bill White nbp body Long black legs This species has been split into two subspecies: Australian Gull-billed Tern and Common Gull-billed Tern. They might be separated into two full species in the future. Distribution: Breeds in Australia, common and widespread in mainland Australia, but a vagrant in Tas. Winters mainly in the north . Habitat and prey: Found in freshwater swamps, brackish and &<,5(,<;#&B(:#<$4#&(<1=(#&5A<)%1#(>A=\<5&B(%))%3<5#=($)*",<1=&( <1=( 3)<&&,<1=&-( V%#5( %1$,A=#&( [&4B( )#"5%,#&B( <>"4%:%<1&B( crustaceans, small mammals and insects. Breeding behaviour: Generally nests in colonies on small islands in a lake or marsh. Breeding season: Flexible breeding season, depending on location <1=(%1\A#1$#=(:E()<%1?<,,B(54A&( can be seen in breeding plumage %1(<,,(>*154&-(8*&5,E(]$5*:#)MV#$#>:#)-( 24 MyTern.indd 24 22/5/19 10:44 am Co mm on G ul l- bi ll ed T er n Ge lo ch el id on n il ot ic a a8ni s (33- 42c m) White cap with no streaks Grey back and upper wings Eye mark is broken with two narrowly joined black spots nbp Distribution: Breeds in south-east Asia. A non-breeding visitor in Australia, mostly seen during summer. Found in north-western Australia and as a visitor to the northern coast of Qld, infrequently recorded in northern NT. Habitat and prey: (@,*13($*<&5,%1#&B(?##=&(*D#)(>A=\<5&(=A)%13( low tide. Diet similar to subspecies macrotarsa . Breeding behaviour: This subspecies does not breed in Australia and is mostly seen in non-breeding plumage (the same time subspecies macrotarsa is in breeding plumage, but there is some overlap). Might be seen in breeding plumage in March or April (just before its northwards migration). 25 MyTern.indd 25 22/5/19 10:44 am Ca sp ia n Te rn Hy dr op ro gn e ca sp ia (50 –56 cm) Black crown from bill to nape Finely streaked bp white crown Grey upperwings Distinctive large red bill nbp Distribution: Common and widespread (though seldom in large 1A>:#)&K-(8<%1,E(&#=#15<)E(:A5(1A>:#)&(\A$5A<5#(&#<&*1<,,E( in many areas, including Tas. Habitat and prey: Usually found near the coast, in wetlands, on coastal and inland beaches and sheltered estuaries. Can live equally well in fresh water and saline #1D%)*1>#15&-(R##=&(<,>*&5(#15%)#,E(*1([&4- Breeding behaviour: Breeds on low islands, cays, spits, banks, ridges and beaches. Breeds in scattered single pairs or dense colonies. Breeding season: ]$5*:#)M December, might differ slightly in northern Australia. 26 MyTern.indd 26 22/5/19 10:44 am Ra re a nd v ag ra nt t er ns a nd n od di es Arc tic te rn Ste rna pa rad isa ea (28 -39 cm) Rare vagrant found mostly in the southern parts of Australia, migrates ?)*>(54#(@)$5%$(5*(54#(@15<)$5%$(#<$4(E#<)(H<(b*A)1#E(*?(A"(5*(7/B///;>K-( bp Grey upperparts Dark red bill Deeply forked tail in flight White underparts nbp Short legs Les ser No ddy Ano us ten uir ost ris (30 -35 cm) Occurs on the Houtman Islands and Ashmore Reef, WA. Smaller than Common Noddy Short, wedge- Greyish-black shaped tail in plumage flight Gre y T ern let Pro cel ste ma cer ule a (25 -30 cm) Rare vagrant on the east coast. Large, dark eye A small, pale noddy Wedge-shaped tail in flight Whi te Ter n Gyg is alb a (2 8-3 3cm ) Large, dark eye Rare vagrant on the east coast. A small, white tern 27 MyTern.indd 27 22/5/19 10:44 am Te rn s in fl ig ht Fairy Little Black-naped Roseate Common White-fronted Whiskered White-winged Sooty Bridled 28 MyTern.indd 28 22/5/19 10:44 am Black Lesser Noddy Noddy Common Noddy Lesser Crested Crested Caspian Gull-billed White Arctic Grey Ternlet 29 MyTern.indd 29 22/5/19 10:45 am Mo ni to ri ng t er ns Monitoring is essential to detect, interpret and report changes in tern populations. It provides us with information to ensure tern numbers remain healthy and so we can act to reduce the impacts of threats to their survival. However, monitoring is more than just counting birds - it needs to be coordinated, consistent and carried out in a way to minimise disturbance. Nesting terns are particularly vulnerable to human impacts, so it is vital that you check with BirdLife Australia before getting involved in any tern monitoring (see pages 38-39 for details about the different monitoring projects). BirdLife Australia works with relevant authorities and under the appropriate ethics, research and access permits to carry out monitoring programs. We therefore require our volunteers to be registered and inducted. Breeding birds should not be monitored or approached without the appropriate permits. Caroline Wilson Monitoring needs to meet a few basic requirements; a well structured monitoring program should be: !" Safe for you and for the birds that you monitor !" Regular in time and space !" Repeatable by using standardised techniques !" @$$A)<5#(%1(&"#$%#&(%=#15%[$<5%*1(<1=(1A>:#)(*?(:%)=& 9/ MyTern.indd 30 22/5/19 10:45 am !" Include species relevant to the variable of interest (e.g. ?*$A&(*1(<(\<3&4%"(&"#$%#&(*)(<(;#E(54)#<5(54<5(1##=&(5*( be mitigated) !" Reported into a shared database, such as Birdlife Australia’s L#<$4O1#&5%13( L%)=&( "*)5<,( *)( 54#( !4*)#:%)=&( 6/6/( "*)5<,( (see pages 38-39) Threat Monitoring For birds that nest on the coast, it is essential to understand the threats that operate at their breeding sites. Threat monitoring enables us to determine the health of breeding sites and to act to mitigate threats. Beach-nesting Bird Project volunteers, for example, undertake threat assessments every time they visit a site (see page 38). Thanks to these data, we can quantify threats (e.g. the rate of visitation by dogs to a site), inform local land management and improve beach user behaviour. The Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) Program has a growing network of IBA Guardians who also carry out annual ‘IBA Easter Health-checks’, which record threats to birds and their habitats. This enables us to identify appropriate management actions. Grainne Maguire 9. MyTern.indd 31 22/5/19 10:45 am Co un ti ng t ec hn iq ue s Counting terns requires practice and patience! Below we introduce some techniques for achieving accurate counts. Co un ti ng r oo st in g or fl yi ng t er ns Firstly, every count requires information on location, date, time and observers. Time of year: Anytime, but mostly outside of the breeding &#<&*1(H8<)$4(M(@A3A&5K-(VA)%13(54#(:)##=%13(&#<&*1B($*A15&( of nesting terns will be more meaningful (page 34). Time of day: U*A15&( =A)%13( 54#( = 32 MyTern.indd 32 22/5/19 10:45 am Counting tips: !" Be prepared by making a visit to the site before the count, so you know what to expect. Decide on whether you need a scope, the number of counters required and where to set up your vantage point(s) !" As you arrive at a roost, estimate the total number of birds !" L)%#\E(&$<1(54#(\*$;B("%$;(*A5(<1=($*A15(54#()<)#(&"#$%#&( <1=(3#5(<1(%=#<(*?(3#1#)<,(\*$;($*>"*&%5%*1(H%-#-(%?(54#)#( are multiple species) !" Keep in mind that some birds may be hard to spot because they are hidden behind another bird !" For multiple species counts: if you have several counters, each person can focus on one or two species; easily %=#15%[<:,#(&"#$%#&(H#-3-(!%,D#)(dA,,&K(?*)(1#G($*A15#)&(<1=( harder ones (e.g. Roseate and Common Terns) for experts. Multiple species often sort themselves by size; determine where each group sits or get an estimate of the ratio of #<$4( &"#$%#&( H#-3-( 6/W( e%55,#( 0#)1&(<>*13&5( 54#( U)#&5#=( Terns) !" R*)(:%3(\*$;&c(#&5%><5#(54#(1A>:#)(*?(:%)=&(%1(:,*$;&(*?(./B( P/(*)(.//(H&##("<3#(9_K-(@,&*()#>#>:#)B(%?(<(&%5#($*15<%1&( 16/B///(G<5#):%)=&(H*?(<1E(&"#$%#&K(%5(>##5&(g<>&<)(&%5#( criteria !" Handheld mechanical counters can be a useful tool !" Some roost sites lend themselves to high resolution "4*5*3)<"4E(G4%$4(> 33 MyTern.indd 33 22/5/19 10:45 am Co un ti ng n es ti ng t er ns Note: This is a highly sensitive activity and only approved monitoring programs can be undertaken. @&(G%54(>*1%5*)%13(*)(*:&#)D%13()**&5%13(*)(\E%13(5#)1&B()#$*)=( information on location, date, time and observers. Also record coordinates of the colony location for future reference. Time of year: Throughout the breeding season (mainly !#"5#>:#)( M( 8<)$4K-( S=#<,,EB( <( $*A15( &4*A,=( :#( =*1#( G4#1( birds are nesting, but before eggs have hatched. Time of day: In the morning, when non-breeding birds are more likely to be absent from the colony. Site selection: @)#<&( <&&*$%<5#=( G%54( $*<&5<,( 5%=<,( \<5&B( :#<$4#&B( %1,<1=( G#5,<1=&B( )*$;E( \<5&B( $,%??&( <1=( %&,<1=&( H&##( "<3#(P(<1=(&"#$%#&R(")*[,#&(?*)(>*)#(%1?*)><5%*1K- Caroline Wilson 34 MyTern.indd 34 22/5/19 10:45 am Counting tips: !" R%)&5,EB(;##"(<(&K(<1=($*A15( from one or more vantage points (using binoculars or a &$*"#K( 54<5( <,,*G( D%#G%13( *?( 54#( G4*,#( 1#&5%13( $*,*1E( M( if your presence is causing the colony to be unsettled, increase your distance !" Avoid hot or very cold days, and if on the beach, avoid times of high tide !" Keep in mind that terns can nest among (or close to) other tern species or seabirds, so take care accessing the area and be aware of other birds around you !" Count all observed incubating adults (see count diagram on page 37) !" S?(54#($*,*1E(%&(,<)3#B($*A15(1#&5&(%1(3)*A"&(*?(P/(*)(.//(<&( ?*)()**&5%13(*)(\E%13(5#)1& !" Use photos from vantage points (in uneven or rocky areas) !" If counting after the incubation period (be very vigilant of disturbance at this time), record number of all age classes H$4%$;&B(bAD#1%,#&B(\#=3,%13&K(<1=()<5%*(*?(4<5$4#=(5*( unhatched nests if visible !" Record presence or evidence (i.e. footprints) of predators or any other threats (human disturbance, litter) !" Record the presence of any site protection (e.g. signs or fencing). If you think a site needs protection, remember you will need land manager approval and seek advice from BirdLife Australia on best practice site protection Crested Terns, Dan Weller 35 MyTern.indd 35 22/5/19 10:45 am Caution! L%)=&( G%54%1( 1#&5%13( $*,*1%#&( G%,,( 5<;#( \%345( G4#1( "#*",#( are closer than ( ^/M.//>-( R,%345( %1%5%<5%*1( =%&5<1$#&( D<)E( among species and also at sites, depending on the exposure the birds have had to people. Also, some tern species will mob together and attack a potential predator or intruder, including humans. Grainne Maguire Sooty Terns and Common Noddies, Dean Ingwersen 36 MyTern.indd 36 22/5/19 10:45 am Es ti ma ti ng n um be rs The diagrams below illustrate how to quickly estimate tern 1A>:#)&-(R*)(\E%13(:%)=&B(&5<)5($*A15%13(?)*>(54#(=%)#$5%*1(54#( :%)=&(<)#(\E%13(5*B($%)$,#(i(:%)=&(%1(<1(<)#<(*?(5E"%$<,(=#1&%5E( <1=($*"E(54%&($%)$,#(<$)*&&(54#(G4*,#(\*$;-(U*A15(54#(1A>:#)( of ‘copies’ made for your total estimate. The technique for roosting or nesting terns is very similar, count a block of birds <1=($*"E(54%&(:,*$;(<$)*&&(54#(G4*,#($*,*1E-(R*)(>%M#=(\*$;&( repeat this procedure for each species. '&(%)!(%$*+\-%$*+(./$&0 Estimated count: 7 circles of ~5 = ~35 birds Estimating roosting or nesting terns: Estimated count: J()#$5<13,#&(*?(N./( X(NJ/(:%)=& 37 MyTern.indd 37 22/5/19 10:45 am Bi rd Li fe A us tr al ia p ro je ct s Be ac h- ne st in g Bi rd s The Beach-nesting Birds Project focuses on the monitoring and conservation of beach-nesting shorebirds across Australia, including Hooded Plovers, Beach Stone- curlews, Red-capped Plovers and Pied Oystercatchers. Their 4%34,E( $<>*A\<3#=( #33&( <1=( Hooded Plover and chicks, Glenn Ehmke chicks, and vulnerable nest placement, make these birds highly susceptible to breeding failure, particularly on busy beaches over summer. We work to raise awareness about the birds that depend on beaches for survival. We train volunteers (using strict protocols, needed to work with these vulnerable species) to participate in monitoring and 1#&5(&%5#(")*5#$5%*1-(]A)(*1,%1#("*)5<,(<&&%&5&(G%54(&%5#(&"#$%[$( =<5<($*,,#$5%*1B(><%1,E(?*)(&%5#&(A&#=(?*)(:)##=%13(<1=(\*$;%13-( Together with a team of community volunteers and coastal land managers, we have successfully increased the breeding success of the threatened Hooded Plover and seen its return to historically occupied beaches! In the coming years, we hope to extend this project to beach-nesting seabirds, which are facing similar threats. birdlife.org.au/projects/beach-nesting-birds and portal.mybeachbird.com.au/ Bi rd Li fe A us tr al ia B ra nc he s BirdLife Australia has local branches throughout Australia; they provide an opportunity for communities to participate in local activities, including research and conservation projects. Many branches carry out long-term monitoring programs, some of which focus on terns and other waterbirds. To learn more, see: birdlife.org.au/who-we-are/branches-and-locations 38 MyTern.indd 38 22/5/19 10:45 am Na ti on al S ho re bi rd M on it or in g BirdLife coordinates the national shorebird population monitoring in Australia. We need your help to conduct annual counts in key shorebird areas so we can detect population trends. We also work to understand and mitigate the factors behind local and national population declines through a conservation action plan. Curlew Sandpiper, birdlife.org.au/sb-monitoring Dean Ingwersen KB A Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) have :##1( %=#15%[#=( A&%13( <( )%3*)*A&( &$%#15%[$( &5<1=<)=-( 04#E( <)#( nature’s hotspots. These sites are of global importance for sustaining the diversity of life but they need looking after. BirdLife Australia’s KBA Program supports many dedicated volunteer KBA- Guardians who use their wonderful talents to conserve these areas and their wildlife. Please join our KBA-Guardian network and help (e.g. with bird monitoring or compiling the annual jL@(k<&5#)(l#<,54O$4#$;&K-(0*([1=(*A5(>*)#(#O><%, [email protected] Th re at en ed B ir d Ne tw or k If you are interested in volunteering with other threatened bird research and conservation projects contact the Threatened Bird Network at [email protected] Colin Wilson 39 MyTern.indd 39 22/5/19 10:45 am Whiskered Terns, Andrew Silcocks Prepared by: Caroline Wilson Leeann Reaney Golo Maurer Grainne Maguire Nick Bradsworth Tern illustrations by Jeff Davies and Nicolas Day. This work is copyright. Reproduction in whole or part may only occur with the written permission of BirdLife Australia. ISBN: 978-0-9873140-4-8 BirdLife Australia Suite 2–05, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton VIC 3053 T 03 9347 0757 | [email protected] facebook.com/BirdLifeAustralia | @BirdlifeOz ABN 75 149 124 774 MyTern.indd 40 22/5/19 10:45 am