Thalasseus bengalensis
Lesser Crested Terns occur near sandy beaches at estuaries and lagoons, often foraging inland or up to 6km from shore over the ocean, but usually roosting at the beach, often in mixed flocks with other terns and gulls. They feed mainly on fish, with crustaceans, squid and octopus featuring only occasionally in their diet.
A non-breeding summer visitor to South African shores, while common during this time along the coast of Kwazulu-Natal, the Lesser Crested Tern is found much less frequently in the Eastern and Western Cape. Beyond our borders they occur widely through the Indian Ocean and nearby parts of the Pacific, as well as along the coastline of North Africa. According to the IUCN they’re in no danger of extinction at present.
Common and Lesser Crested Terns on the beach at Umlalazi
Lesser Crested Tern in low-level flight
Lesser Crested Tern
Lesser Crested Terns
Lesser Crested Tern
Lesser Crested Terns
Lesser Crested Tern
Lesser Crested Terns
Lesser Crested Terns
Lesser Crested Terns
Lesser Crested Terns
DeWetsWild 