Adult Crested Tern Plumage:
Summer Plumage:
The back, shoulders, wings, and tail are ash-gray, with the inner webs of the wing and tail feathers being white. The crown and crest are black. The remaining plumage is white, with two small gray spots on each side of the chest.
Winter Plumage:
The front of the crown is white.
Juvenile Plumage:
Juveniles have more brown streaks in their plumage.
Other Characteristics:
Dark brown eyes. Yellow beak with a pale green gape. Black legs.
Measurements:
- Wing: 322 – 355 mm
- Tail: 160 – 200 mm
- Tarsus (leg): 34 mm
- Bill: 59 – 67 mm
Distribution:
This tern species is distributed along the coasts of China and Indochina.
Vietnam:
This species is found in Nha Trang, on islands near the coast, and in the Paracel Islands (Tây Sa).