The Australian tern or Australian gull-billed tern is a tern in the family Laridae, native to Australia. The genus name is from Ancient Greek gelao, "to laugh", and khelidon, "swallow".
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Primarily found across coastal and inland northern and eastern Australia, with occurrences around estuaries, bays, mangroves, saltpans, and freshwater or brackish wetlands. It also uses inland floodplains and ephemeral lakes following rains and can be seen over agricultural fields and open grasslands while foraging. Small numbers range to southern New Guinea and nearby islands. Breeding colonies are typically on low, sparsely vegetated islands, sand spits, and shell banks where disturbance is minimal.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Australian gull-billed tern, it is unusual among terns for frequently hunting over land and taking large insects, small reptiles, and amphibians in addition to fish. Its thick, black bill and buoyant, hawking flight set it apart from more fish-specialist terns. It nests colonially on open sand or shell banks and shifts locally with rainfall and water levels.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
buoyant, steady wingbeats with frequent glides and aerial hawking
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose to dense colonies on open ground, often alongside other seabirds. Nests are simple scrapes; both parents incubate and feed the young. Outside breeding, it forms small to medium flocks that roam locally in response to water and prey availability.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are harsh, nasal and laughing, often rendered as kek-kek or kyarr notes, especially around colonies. Flight calls are clipped and scolding, with softer chatter during close social interactions.
