EA-00-RI-10191 Rev A - Department of the …...EA-00-RI-10191 Rev A Bird Management Plan for...

EA-00-RI-10191 Rev A

Bird Management Plan for Reindeer Offshore Platform 2 of 21

REVISION HISTORY

Revision Author / Editor Amendment

A A Tennyson Draft for internal review.

0 A Tennyson Update to address G Bamford comments



CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 5

1.1 Function ........................................................................................................................................ 5

1.2 Objective ....................................................................................................................................... 5

2. PLANNING ...................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Helicopter Platform and Activity Summary ..................................................................................... 6

2.2 Stakeholder Consultation ............................................................................................................... 8

2.3 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment ..................................................................................... 8

2.4 Risk Assessment Philosophy ......................................................................................................... 10

2.5 Risk Ranking by Species ............................................................................................................... 10

3. IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................................................ 11

3.1 Potential Bird Management Strategies ......................................................................................... 11

3.2 Proposed Bird Management Strategy for Reindeer Platform ......................................................... 11

3.3 Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................................ 12

3.4 Training and Awareness ............................................................................................................... 14

3.5 Monitoring .................................................................................................................................. 14

3.6 Reporting .................................................................................................................................... 14

3.7 Review of BMP ............................................................................................................................ 14

3.8 Performance Indicators ................................................................................................................ 15

4. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................. 15

APPENDIX 1 – Remote Use of Bird Deterrence Equipment on Reindeer Platform ................................... 16

APPENDIX 2 – Bird Count and Activity Log ............................................................................................. 17

APPENDIX 3 – Species Identification Cards ............................................................................................ 18

FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 1: Reindeer platform with helideck on left hand side of top deck ...................................................... 6 Figure 2: Location of Reindeer Normally Unmanned Offshore Platform ....................................................... 7 Figure 3: Examples of guano cover on helideck and safety critical equipment on Reindeer platform ......... 9 Figure 4: Summary of work undertaken to clean guano from Reindeer platform ......................................... 9 Figure 5: Summary of bird related events at Reindeer offshore platform ................................................... 10 Table 1: Risk ranking of significant bird strike by species ............................................................................. 11 Table 2: Key Roles and Responsibilities for Bird Management on Reindeer Platform ................................ 13



Acronyms and Abbreviations

Term Definition

ALARP As Low as Reasonably Possible

ATMs Air Transport Movements

ATSB Australian Transportation Safety Bureau

BMP Bird Management Plan

CASA Civil Aviation Safety Authority

CASR Civil Aviation Safety Regulations

CCTV Closed-Circuit Television

CHC CHC Helicopters

CMC Change Management Control (engineering)

DoEE Department of Environment and Energy

ECM Enterprise Content Management

EP Reindeer Wellhead Platform and Offshore Gas Supply Pipeline Operations Environment Plan

HAZID Hazard Identification Workshop

LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide

LRAD Long Range Acoustic Device

MoC Management of Change

OTS Ornithological Technical Services

QE Quadrant Energy

NOPSEMA National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority



1. INTRODUCTION

Quadrant Energy (QE) is committed to ensuring the safety of aircraft and passengers visiting the normally unmanned offshore platform ‘Reindeer’. This Bird Management Plan (BMP) has been developed by Quadrant Energy (QE) with technical advice and review provided by bird management consultants Ornithological Technological Specialists (OTS). The BMP describes the hazards introduced by bird activity and the proposed strategies to disturb the birds from the platform. The primary objective of the BMP is to reduce the risk to helicopters of bird strike (which is identified as a major accident event (MAE) in the Reindeer Platform Safety Case); and to reduce guano loading which obscures critical helipad markings, reduces friction on the helipad and causes equipment downtime.

1.1 Function

The function of this BMP is to define the risk that birds pose to helicopter traffic at Reindeer and to establish a strategy to manage the risk.

The BMP:

incorporates the themes of Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Advisory Circular 139-26 Wildlife Hazard Management at Aerodromes;

addresses the requirements of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 133 - Air transport and aerial work operations – rotorcraft1;

seeks to maintain the helideck ‘fit for function’ to prevent a helicopter crash ‘major accident event’ as described in Reindeer Wellhead Platform Operations Safety Case (RE-02-RF-00029);

provides supporting evidence for the Management of Change (MOC) against the Reindeer Wellhead Platform and Offshore Gas Supply Pipeline Operations Environment Plan (EA-14-RI-10002.01);

supports the permit application to Department of Environment and Energy (DoEE) against Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999, Regulation 258 for activities that may impact listed marine species (including birds); and

Supports Quadrant Energy’s Health, Safety and Environment Management System.

1.2 Objective

The primary objective of this BMP is to reduce risk to helicopter traffic from bird strike. A secondary objective is to reduce the volume of guano on the platform, particularly the helideck. The BMP will:

Define the methods by which birds will be deterred from Reindeer platform;

Provide a tool to support compliance with relevant environmental legislation;

Define roles and responsibilities; and

Define the approach for recording, maintaining and reviewing data

1 Whilst the platform is not under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the plan will not be submitted to

CASA, the content is generally consistent with the CASA ‘wildlife hazard management plan’ template to ensure thoroughness.



2. PLANNING

2.1 Helicopter Platform and Activity Summary

This BMP applies to flight paths and helicopter landing areas on Reindeer platform, shown on Figure 2. Details of the platform, helideck and helicopter operations are provided below. Platform location: 20° 21’ 26” S 116°18’35” E (see Figure 2). Platform description: Four leg structure in 58.7 m water depth (LAT); and four topside levels with an integrated helideck on the upper deck Helideck summary: offset helideck suitable for helicopter up to an AW139, at height of +36m LAT Annual helicopter days at platform: minimum of 50, comprised of four days routine maintenance every two months (24 days annually) plus other scopes ranging from 25 – 50 days per year Helicopter landings / take-offs: minimum of 100 per year (i.e. helicopter drops personnel off in morning and returns in the afternoon, 50 days per year) Persons on board helicopter: two air crew and typically 5 - 10 passengers

Figure 1: Reindeer platform with helideck on left hand side of top deck



Figure 2: Location of Reindeer Normally Unmanned Offshore Platform



2.2 Stakeholder Consultation

Although Reindeer platform is in Australian Commonwealth Waters and not under the jurisdiction of CASA, it falls under the jurisdiction of two regulators relating to safety and environment:

Commonwealth Department of Environment and Energy (DoEE); and

National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) Quadrant Energy consulted DoEE in June 2017 to determine if a permit would be required under the EPBC Act 1999 prior to employing bird management devices. There are provisions under EPBC Act S255 to undertake actions if it is necessary to …prevent a risk to human health (S255f): or …to deal with an emergency involving a serious threat to human life or property (S255h). However QE have taken a conservative approach and will submit a permit application to DoEE for review, supported by this BMP. Reindeer platform is also regulated by NOPSEMA for safety and environmental matters. The relevant legislative instruments are the Reindeer Wellhead Platform Operations Safety Case (RE-02-RF-00029) and the Reindeer Wellhead Platform and Offshore Gas Supply Pipeline Operations Environment Plan (EA-14-10002.01). It is not anticipated that this BMP will require any modifications to the Safety Case as it is proposing to introduce an additional control measure against a defined MAE. With respect to the EP, any new activities or significant amendment to existing activities must be assessed by the QE to ensure there is no introduction of new or increased environmental risk. This will be managed by following the Environment Management of Change Procedure (EA-91-IQ-10001). If the change is compatible with the EP, the MoC remains as an internal record and the EP is not resubmitted to NOPSEMA for assessment. The helicopter operator is also a major stakeholder. Prior to implementation of the devices, the helicopter operator will be included in a HAZID workshop and briefed on the isolations that can / will be applied to the devices to prevent unplanned activation when they are approaching Reindeer platform. There are no other stakeholders requiring consultation as the platform is 80 km offshore. The laser and audio devices will have limitations on sweep arcs / angles to prevent potential disturbance or injury to crew on any vessels that may enter the vicinity of platform.

2.3 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

2.3.1 Aircraft Movements and Types

The number of and frequency of Air Transport Movements (ATMs) and aircraft types are the base factor for likelihood of interaction between aircraft and birds. One ATM = one operation to or from a Helicopter Platforms i.e. 1 landing = 1 ATM; 1 take-off = 1 ATM.

Rates of strike are calculated at “strikes per 10,000 Air Transport Movements”. It has been identified by Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) that the likelihood of a strike is influenced by aircraft size, approach and take-off speeds and the engine type propelling the aircraft. The aircraft types operating at Reindeer platform (rotary wing aircraft - helicopters) have small ingestion surface areas but large propeller / rotor areas.

Another factor considered during the assessment process was the time of day of aircraft movements and seasonal conditions; all of which factor into the likelihood of a strike occurring and the species that would most likely be struck based on numbers and behaviour. Night time flying does not occur at this platform.



There are approximately 100 ATMs per year at Reindeer Platform and to date there are no records of bird strike, but there is a recognised risk of strike during landing and take-off, as raised by pilots and QE employees over multiple years of operation at Reindeer platform. In addition, QE has recorded bird strike events at a number of normally unmanned platforms controlled from Varanus Island. This includes John Brookes (nine), Wonnich (four) and Harriet Alpha (two). Management strategies for these platforms are not included in this plan but may be developed in separate plan(s).

2.3.2 Helideck Hazards

The primary hazard at the Reindeer platform is birds taking flight as helicopters approach. This causes pilot distraction and introduces the potential for bird strike, which could lead to helicopter damage / crash, potentially escalating to a multiple fatality event. An additional hazard caused by the birds is the build-up of guano on the helideck and other decks of the platform. The associated hazards from guano include:

helideck markings and lights become obscured;

safety critical equipment on the platform becomes obscured and may deteriorate at a quicker rate when covered in guano; and

surfaces become slippery, particularly after rainfall Cleaning the guano also introduces a cost and additional safety risk as personnel must travel to the platform in the days before maintenance campaigns to pressure spray the helideck and other safety critical items. This problem has existed since at least 2013, as illustrated in the photographs in Figure 3. A summary of the visits and costs incurred is provided in Figure 4.

Figure 3: Examples of guano cover on helideck and safety critical equipment on Reindeer platform

Figure 4: Summary of work undertaken to clean guano from Reindeer platform

2.3.3 Bird Strike History

There are no bird strike records for Reindeer platform in QE’s incident reporting system. There is one record for an aborted approach and three records noting the problem of guano cover (refer to Figure 5). Although the presence of birds on the platform and the guano cover remains a problem, it is only reported as a hazard periodically as a reminder and the lack of entries since 2015 is not reflective of the ongoing



problem. In mid-2017, QE commenced using a new helicopter operator; this operator has already raised an occurrence report in relation to guano obscuring helideck markings and being transferred into the helicopter via equipment and boots.

Figure 5: Summary of bird related events at Reindeer offshore platform

2.4 Risk Assessment Philosophy

The consequence of a bird strike involving particular species of birds is related to body mass, flocking behaviour and flight behaviour, while the probability of a strike is related to the abundances of different bird species on or near the platform. However, the probability of a strike on any one aircraft movement is remote and so strike data may not provide the best estimate of the likelihood of a strike. Furthermore, using strike data is a reactive approach in that species are only identified as a risk after they have been involved in one or more strikes.

Due to the limited strike and count data available at the time of the assessment for development of this BMP, the “Paton” Risk Assessment process has been adopted to rank species by consequence and modified by OTS (Table 1). Without consistent data of species activity and numbers, the assessment of the probability of a strike cannot be truly identified and therefore accurately assessed. The risk assessment will be re-evaluated as more data is captured.

2.5 Risk Ranking by Species

Following the CASA approach, the ranking of risk posed by individual bird species is presented in Table 1. However, QE take the position that a significant bird strike of any of the species has the potential to cause a helicopter crash and multiple fatalities. This automatically puts the risk in the ‘critical’ consequence and QE will seek to remove all species with equal effort.

As per QE’s risk matrix (QE-91-IF-00039), any risk in the red zone requires reduction of risk. The management strategies proposed for Reindeer platform are described in Section 3.1. The proposed strategies may be amended as more evidence is gathered on the effectiveness of the strategies; or where an increase in bird activity or strikes are recorded.

Note that the risk matrix shown in Table 1 only considers the risk to helicopter activities introduced by the presence of birds. Prior to implementation of the proposed strategies, a comprehensive hazard identification (HAZID) workshop will be conducted. The HAZID will assess all potential safety and environmental hazards related to use of the equipment and will identify controls to mitigate the risk. The HAZID will include the helicopter contractor, QE aviation superintendent, QE engineers and QE site operations personnel.



Table 1: Risk ranking of significant bird strike by species

Likelihood Consequence

1. Negligible 2. Minor 3. Moderate 4. Major 5. Critical

5. Probable

4. Likely

3. Unlikely

2. Very unlikely Brown Booby Crested Tern Australian Garnet Masked Booby

Silver Gull

1. Rare Roseate Tern

Bridled Tern

3. IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 Potential Bird Management Strategies

The objective of the bird management is to remove or significantly reduce bird presence and guano build up on the platform. Any management measures need to consider the most effective way of achieving this without introducing secondary threats, such as forcing birds to lower levels that then scatter as helicopters land. A combination of passive and active measures may be implemented.

3.1.1 Passive Management Strategies

Passive management describes the process of modifying habitats to reduce the number of birds in the area. Examples of strategies that may be implemented include:

Bird spikes on handrails

Parallel lengths of wire installed above handrails, particularly on lower levels, to reduce bird ingress to these level and to prevent concealed birds taking off as helicopters near the platform;

Installation of birds of prey decoys; and

Netting between levels of the platform to prevent bird access.

3.1.2 Active Management Strategies

Active management describes the process of directly removing or reducing the numbers of birds or animals in high-risk areas. Examples of strategies that may be implemented include:

Visual deterrents (lasers, birds of prey decoys and ‘inflatable flapping men’ decoys);

Noise / vibration emitting devices, and

Culling

3.2 Proposed Bird Management Strategy for Reindeer Platform

The management strategy proposed for Reindeer platform is to install a laser and noise emitting device on the perimeter of the Reindeer helideck. Equipment will be provided by a third party vendor to the specifications detailed in Laser Bird Deterrent Basis of Design (JB-02-RG-10007). Selection and installation of



equipment will be implemented following QE’s CMC Procedure (QE-91-IQ-00007) to ensure rigorous engineering review. Once installed, the laser and audio devices will be remotely activated and controlled by operators in the onshore Devil Creek control room following the work instruction Remote use of Bird Deterrence Equipment on Reindeer Platform (RE-91-WG-10001). This task will be completed weekly initially and will ensure observations of bird species, numbers and response to the deterrence activities are recorded. Outside of the weekly work instruction the equipment can be used whenever birds are observed on the CCTV. Live CCTV coverage will allow operators to observe the effectiveness of the sound and laser devices as they are brought online; and in the case of the audio device, as the intensity is increased. If a consistent noise level results in birds leaving the platform it may allow an upper limit to be set on the audio device reducing the potential for injury to birds and people. In between the weekly manual operations, the systems will be set up to activate and sweep automatically, but without observation or data recording by control room operators. On the days of planned helicopter operations, control room operators will increase the use of devices in the hours prior to landing. The laser and LRAD system will be shut down and isolated no less than 5 minutes prior to helicopters arriving at the platform. Note that pilots will also have the ability to remotely shutdown the equipment as they approach the platform. ‘Inflatable men’ decoys will also be reinstated to support the noise and laser strategy.

3.3 Roles and Responsibilities

QE are responsible for the development and ongoing maintenance of the BMP, as well as collection and review of data to make the most efficient use of the deterrence equipment. QE will also be responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of the deterrence equipment on Reindeer platform. All key roles and responsibilities are summarised in Table 2.



Table 2: Key Roles and Responsibilities for Bird Management on Reindeer Platform

Role Location Responsibilities

QE Person in Charge Devil Creek Ensure deterrence activities are conducted safely by appropriately trained staff

QE Production and

Maintenance Supervisor Devil Creek

Ensure bird harassment equipment and isolations maintained in safe operating condition

Ensure control room operators use harassment equipment on days with planned helicopter flights

QE HSE Advisor Devil Creek Enter records of bird strikes, near misses and other bird related hazards in QE incident database

QE Control Room Operator Devil Creek

During weekly work order, activate deterrence equipment and record observations of bird species, numbers and

response to deterrence activities

Activate deterrence equipment on days of helicopter activity (up to 15 minutes after helicopter leaves Devil Creek)

Advise HLO of bird activity approximately one hour prior to planned helicopter landings

QE HSE Co-ordinator Perth Obtain regulatory approvals and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements

Focal point between QE and ornithologists

Review records of bird species, counts and effectiveness of harassment strategies; and maintain currency of BMP

Co-ordinate meetings, maintain minutes and assign actions

QE Operations

Superintendent Perth

Review deterrence activities to ensure compliance with safety and environmental requirements

Allocate sufficient funding to maintain equipment in safe operating condition

QE Aviation

Superintendent Perth

Focal point between QE and helicopter provider

Seek feedback / data from helicopter operator to help with measurement of success

Helicopter operator Karratha

Report bird strikes to the ATSB and QE

Report strike data, damage reports, aborted landings and any other hazardous conditions to QE

Relay evidence of strikes including damage, carcasses, feathers or other material to QE for collection

Post current bird hazard activity on a status board and inform all aircrews of any change in status

OTS Perth Provide advice on data collection requirements and optimal use of equipment

Support QE in reporting and communicating with regulators

Equipment Manufacturer Perth Provide technical support as requested by QE



3.4 Training and Awareness

To raise awareness of the BMP, QE staff listed in Table 2 will be provided with a presentation summarising the key components of the BMP, including:

Background and current status of bird hazard;

bird identification;

data collection requirements for routine and non-routine periods

active control strategies

reporting of incidents and hazards Operators controlling the laser and acoustic equipment from the control room will be provided with training by OTS (or appropriate QE delegate) to define acceptable use of the devices. Operators will be trained to recognise bird species and how to count birds. This information will be routinely reviewed by the HSE Co-ordinator and incorporated into revisions of this BMP.

3.5 Monitoring

Control room operators at Devil Creek will log CCTV observations of bird species, numbers and response to the deterrence activities. It is proposed that this will be done on a weekly basis, three times during the day shift, for a period of 15 minutes each time. The operator will record the effectiveness of the laser / audio devices and how long it keeps birds off the platform. This information will indicate how birds can be expected to respond on helicopter landing days when the equipment will be used in the hours leading up to helicopter arrival. Use of the equipment and monitoring records will be as per:

Appendix 1: Work Instruction for Remote Use of Bird Deterrence Equipment on Reindeer Platform

Appendix 2: Bird count and activity log (Example shown). The live log is in ECM: HSE/Environmental/1.Compliance Assurance/1.Operations/Devil Creek/04_Incident Management/Birds on

Reindeer platform/Bird Activity Log

Appendix 3: Species identification cards In addition, personnel returning from Reindeer platform will report relevant information to site management, such as nesting activity and volume of guano.

3.6 Reporting

All strikes will be reported by the helicopter operator to CASA and QE. In addition, the helicopter operator will advise QE of near misses and other relevant hazards. Any items or concern observed by QE personnel visiting the platform will be reported to site management. Examples include reports of increased bird activity; or changes in activity on the platform such as nesting. Incidents and hazards will be entered into QE’s incident database and incorporated into future revisions of this BMP as appropriate. Routine information will be filed in QE’s document management system (ECM). The HSE coordinator will be responsible for collecting all relevant information and storing it in ECM, including observation logs, images and meeting minutes. Information will be included in future revisions of the BMP where appropriate.

3.7 Review of BMP

The review will include key personnel and if necessary advice will be sought from a qualified ornithologist. The review of the BMP will:



Consider the effectiveness of the management strategies and describe any necessary changes;

ensure compliance with current legislation;

assess risk assumptions with reference to monitoring data and incident / hazard reports;

ensure procedures, roles, responsibilities are current and relevant; and

Ensure actions undertaken by Quadrant energy are appropriate and included in the BMP. It will be carried out on a 4-yearly basis or earlier if deterrence activities are not effective.

3.8 Performance Indicators

Following activation of CCTV and the active management strategies, performance indicators will be developed when adequate data is collected. The indicators are likely to focus on numbers of birds and bird species (with consideration for seasonal influence); number of strikes, near misses and aborted landings; number of trips required to clean guano.

4. REFERENCES

Hero Engineering (2017). Laser Bird Deterrent Basis of Design for John Brookes and Reindeer Wellhead Platforms (JB-02-RG-10007)

Quadrant Energy (2014). Reindeer Wellhead Platform and Offshore Gas Supply Pipeline Operations Environment Plan (EA-14-10002.01)

Quadrant Energy (2016). Reindeer Wellhead Platform Operations Safety Case (RE-02-RF-00029)

Quadrant Energy (2017). CMC Procedure (QE-91-IQ-00007)

Quadrant Energy (2017). Environment Management of Change Procedure (EA-91-IQ-10001)



APPENDIX 1 – Remote Use of Bird Deterrence Equipment on Reindeer Platform



APPENDIX 2 – Bird Count and Activity Log



APPENDIX 3 – Species Identification Cards

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster

Mass 1.3 kg

Risk Rating Extreme

Strike History Unknown

The booby's head and upper body is covered in dark brown or black, with the remainder being a contrasting white. The juvenile form is grey-brown with darkening on the head, wings and tail. While these birds are typically silent, bird watchers have reported occasional sounds similar to grunting or quacking. Their beaks are quite sharp and contain many jagged edges. The female booby reaches about 80 centimetres (31 in) in length, its wingspan measures up to 150 cm (4.9 ft). The male booby reaches about 75 centimetres (30 in) in length, its wingspan measures up to 140 cm (4.6 ft).

Adult Description

Large, dark waterbird.

Long body, long neck, long tail.

Narrow, pointed wings.

Brown head, throat, chest, and upperparts.

White belly, vent, and wing linings

Immature Description

Juvenile is brown overall; belly ranges from mottled brown and white to mostly dark. Sharp line still visible between darker chest and lighter belly. Underwing coverts are pale. Bare parts generally dull grey.

Immature Adult

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/spp_photos.aspx?spp=5&sppid=107&keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=488&width=875

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wei%C3%9Fbauchtoelpel.jpg



Masked Booby Sula dactylatra

Mass 2.35 kg

Risk Rating Extreme


This is the largest booby, at 74–91 cm (29–36 in) long, with a 137–165 cm (54–65 in) wingspan. Adults are white with pointed black wings, a pointed black tail, and a dark grey facemask. The sexes are similar, but the male has a yellow bill, and the female's is greenish yellow; during the breeding season they have a patch of bare, bluish skin at the base of the bill. Juveniles are brownish on the head and upperparts, with a whitish rump and neck collar. The underparts are white. Adult plumage is acquired over two years. The masked booby is silent at sea, but has a reedy whistling greeting call at the nesting colonies. While on the breeding grounds, these birds display a wide range of hissing and quacking notes.

Adult Description

Large, predominately white waterbird with black wings.



White head, throat, chest, and upperparts.

White belly, vent, and black wings when at rest.


Juvenile has brown head and wings; belly is white. Underwing coverts are pale. Bare parts generally dull grey.

Immature Adult

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booby



Australasian Gannet Morus serrator

Mass 2.35 kg

Risk Rating Extreme


The Australasian gannet is a large, 1.8 m wing-span, seabird with predominantly white plumage, long, pointed wings, a long neck and slender body shape. The trailing edges of its wings and a varying proportion of its central tail feathers are black. The wedge-shaped bill is bluish-grey, with a lining of black; the skin surrounding the eye is intensely blue. The head plumage is buff-yellow, which extends down the neck. The sexes cannot be reliably distinguished in the field. Juveniles have mottled dark brown and white plumage, and are separable from immatures, which gradually acquire more white over several moults, before acquiring full adult plumage when about 3 years old.

Adult Description

Large, predominately white seabird with black wings tips.



Yellow head, white throat, chest, and upperparts.

White belly, vent, and black wing tips when at rest.


Juvenile has grey/brown head, brown speckled wings; belly is eventually turns white, starting brown. Underwing coverts are pale. Bare parts generally dull grey.

Immature Adult



Crested Tern Sterna bergii

Mass 325–397 grams

Risk Rating Very High


The Crested Tern is the second largest of the terns found in Australia (430-480mm) and one of the

most commonly seen. It has a white body, pale grey wings and back, pale yellow bill and black legs.

The tail is forked. During the breeding season, it has a black crown with a black crest which can be

raised. During the non-breeding season, the cap becomes mottled. Adult males and females are

identical in appearance. The juveniles have mottled or barred brown upperparts. The Crested Tern

differs from the similar Caspian Tern - the largest of the terns - which has a massive red bill.

Adult Description

Yellow bill.

Glossy black crest and black legs.

Grey pointed wings on upper side, white below.

White forehead and underparts.

Blackish wing tips when at rest.

In winter, the upperparts plumage wears to a paler grey, and the crown of the head becomes white, merging at the rear into a peppered black crest and mask.


Juvenile head pattern like the winter adult, and upperparts strongly patterned in grey, brown, and white; the closed wings appear to have dark bars.

Adult Immature

EA-00-RI-10191 Rev A - Department of the …...EA-00-RI-10191 Rev A Bird Management Plan for...

Documents

Transcript of EA-00-RI-10191 Rev A - Department of the …...EA-00-RI-10191 Rev A Bird Management Plan for...