Australian Tern
Australian Tern (<em>Gelochelidon macrotarsa</em>) is a species of Gulls, Terns, Skimmers (<em>Laridae</em>) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids.
Overview
Australian Tern (Gelochelidon macrotarsa) is a species of Gulls, Terns, Skimmers (Laridae) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Gelochelidon; binomial: Gelochelidon macrotarsa; authority: (Gould, 1837).
Distribution
Breeding range: Australasia. Non-breeding range: to coastal s New Guinea and Timor (e Lesser Sundas).
Conservation Status
This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.
Remarks
Split of Australian Tern Gelochelidon macrotarsa from widespread Gull-billed Tern is based on morphological and life history differences (Rogers et al. 2005; del Hoyo & Collar 2014; Schodde pers. comm.). Alternative English name is Australian Gull-billed Tern (Working List of Australian Birds v3; del Hoyo & Collar 2014), which would necessitate changing common name of G. nilotica.
