The Chinese crested tern (Thalasseus bernsteini) is a type of bird in the family Laridae. It serves as the county bird of Lienchiang County, Fuchien.
Taxonomy
This bird is most closely related to the greater crested tern, T. bergii, and has bred with it.
The species was once called Sterna zimmermanni (or Thalasseus zimmermanni) until scientists found the original specimen of Hermann Schlegel's Sterna bernsteini in 1975. This discovery showed that the older name, Sterna bernsteini, belongs to this species, not to T. bergii as previously believed.
Description
This tern is medium-large, measuring 38–43 cm in length. It looks similar to the Sandwich tern (T. sandvicensis), Cabot's tern (T. acuflavidus), and lesser crested tern (T. bengalensis). It is most similar to the Sandwich tern, but its beak color pattern is the opposite: yellow with a black tip, unlike the Sandwich tern's pattern. Its beak is also thicker, like Cabot's tern. Like these birds, it has a full black crown during the breeding season, a pale, silvery-grey back and wings, and a white tail. Compared to the lesser crested tern, which shares some wintering areas, it has a white rump, a lighter grey mantle, and a black-tipped, thicker beak. Close inspection also reveals a white point on the beak. The greater crested tern, though its closest relative, is more different. It has an entirely yellow beak, a white forehead during breeding, a much darker grey mantle and rump, and is larger in size.
Distribution and conservation
The Chinese crested tern is a critically endangered species that was once believed to be extinct. In 2000, four pairs were found nesting on a small island in the Matsu Islands, a territory controlled by Taiwan, near the coast of Fujian Province, China. These birds migrate south to the Philippines during winter. Earlier, they lived along the east coast of China, as far north as Shandong Province. Their population dropped because of past hunting and egg collection for food. The area where the birds live is protected due to its disputed status (controlled by Taiwan but claimed by mainland China) and the military presence, which limits human access. The island is now a wildlife sanctuary. Scientists believe there may be other small groups of these birds along the coasts of China and Taiwan, and some have been seen near the Pachang River in southern Taiwan. The total number of birds is estimated to be fewer than 50.
In 2007, experts warned that the Chinese crested tern could become extinct within five years if not protected. BirdLife International reported that surveys showed the number of crested terns dropped to 50 birds, about half the population from 2004. A team led by Chen Shuihua said the bird was "on the verge of extinction."
Today, the species faces threats such as illegal egg collection, typhoons, and disturbances from fishermen near nesting areas. Hybridization with the greater crested tern also poses a risk.
In 2016, for the first time, Chinese crested terns were found breeding in South Korea. Establishing a new colony in this distant location could help the species survive.
The first recorded sightings in the Philippines were in 1886, then in 1905 near Manila Bay and in 1937. More recent sightings occurred in March 2018, November 2019 along the coastal wetlands of Panabo, Davao del Norte, and in August 2021 near Lingayen Gulf.
In 2022, three birds were spotted at the mouth of the Davao River during a bird census. In January 2023, the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported at least three birds near Panabo City, Davao del Norte, and in Bucana, Talomo District, Davao City. In December 2023, one bird was seen along the sandbar near Santa Cruz, Paombong, and Pamarawan Island in Malolos, northwest of New Manila International Airport.
In 2025, the Malaysian Nature Society Kuching Branch confirmed a single Chinese crested tern among a group of greater crested terns during monitoring in Bako–Buntal Bay, Sarawak. This was the first confirmed sighting in Malaysia since 1913.