This large tern does not breed around the granitic islands but can be seen here at all times of the year, flying along beaches alone to roosting on sandbanks in small groups.
Greater Crested Terns on Aldabra, Cosmoledo and a few other outer islands, and some birds can be seen around these breeding sites all year round. When feeding birds dive from the air into water to catch fish, squid and other prey. They also pick turtle hatchings from the surface of the water.
Facts:
Scientific name: Thalasseus bergii
Creole name: Dyanman Sardin
Wingspan: 125 – 130 cm
Population in the Seychelles: 300 – 700 breeding pairs in the Seychelles, all on the southern coral islands
World distribution: Indian Ocean, Pacific, Red Sea and Persian Gulf
Distribution in Seychelles: Breeds on Aldabra and Amirantes, outside the breeding season occurs throughout Seychelles
Nest: On the ground, on bare earth on small islets. One or two eggs laid
Diet: Fish, squid, turtle hatchings
Identification: A large tern, grey above and white below with a forked white tail, heavy greenish–yellow beak and shaggy black crest
See more:
Species Fact Sheet at BirdLife Data Zone
(Photo credit: Dao Nguyen)