One of the rarest and most endangered seabirds in the world. It belongs to the Thalasseus genus, a group of sleek, crested terns known for their sharp flight skills and long-distance coastal journeys. What makes the Chinese crested tern stand out is its distinctive appearance — a slender seabird with a pale gray back, white underparts, and a striking black crest on its head during breeding season. Its bill is mostly yellow with a dark tip, helping distinguish it from similar species like the greater crested tern.
This rare tern breeds on small, remote islands along the coast of China and Taiwan, nesting on sandy or rocky beaches, often in mixed colonies with other terns. It lays its eggs in shallow scrapes on the ground, where both parents take turns incubating and later feeding the chicks. The Chinese crested tern relies on healthy coastal ecosystems and rich fishing grounds, feeding mostly on small fish caught with quick, graceful dives into the sea. Like its relatives, it’s an expert flier and can cover large areas in search of food.
The story of the Chinese crested tern is as dramatic as it is hopeful. By the late 20th century, it was feared extinct due to habitat loss, egg collecting, overfishing, and disturbance by humans. But in 2000, a small breeding colony was discovered in the Matsu Islands of Taiwan, sparking a wave of conservation efforts. More colonies were later found off the coasts of Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces in China.
Distribution
China
Indonesia
Korea
Malaysia
Philippines
Taiwan
ThailandAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
