The White-Winged Black Tern in Southern Victoria

Abstract

The White-winged Black Tern is recorded from mid-southern Victoria for the first time. An isolated occurrence on January 5, 1963, and several birds between December 17, 1963 and August 23, 1964, with a peak of 22 birds at Cherry's Swamp, Altona, on March 21, 1964. Although several birds had started to change to breeding plumage only one remained long enough to attain the complete nuptial dress. The species is compared with the Whiskered Tern, with which it freely associated, and the Fairy Tern. Notes are given on plumage changes, flight, feeding action, food, calls, display and aggressiveness.