AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

2073. Gelochelidon nilotica affinis

(2073) Gelochelidon nilotica affinis.

THE JAVAN GULL-BILLED TERN.

Sterna affinis Horsf., Trans. Linn. Soc, xiii, p. 199 (1821) (Java). Sterna anglica. Blanf. & Oates, iv, p. 311 (part.).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the preceding bird but smaller, with a decidedly smaller bill; the colour above is perhaps a trifle paler but the difference is hardly discernible ; the primaries seem to be generally darker.

Colours of soft parts as in the other races.

Measurements. Wing 272 to 292 mm.; tail 91 to 114 mm.; tarsus 30 to 33 mm.; culmen 32 to 35 (once 37) mm.

Distribution. Islands of Malay Archipelago. Once in the Andamans.

Nidification unknown.

Habits similar to those of the preceding bird but apparently more of a coastal and sea bird, less often resorting to the interior of the islands.

BookTitle: 
The Fauna Of British India, Including Ceylon And Burma-birds(second Edition)
Reference: 
Baker, EC S (1922–1930) The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma. Second edition. vol.6 1929.
Title in Book: 
2073. Gelochelidon nilotica affinis
Book Author: 
Edward Charles Stuart Baker
CatNo: 
2073
Year: 
1929
Page No: 
118
Common name: 
Javan Gull Billed Tern
M_ID: 
4577
M_SN: 
Gelochelidon nilotica affinis
Volume: 
Vol. 6
id: 
4909

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