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White-winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)

The White-winged Black Tern is a small migratory tern that uses coastal, near-coastal and inland freshwater wetlands across Australia. On works sites, marshes, mudflats, shallow water and wetland-edge roosts may provide feeding or resting habitat, even when birds are not recorded during a short survey. It is listed as a migratory species under the EPBC Act through CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA, and is least concern in Australia.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Listed migratory. Listed under CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA. Listed migratory species are a matter of national environmental significance, so a significant impact needs referral.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Special least concern. A least concern bird covered by an international migratory bird agreement. Tampering with its breeding place needs a high risk species management program.

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Specially protected (migratory).

Migration and breeding season

The White-winged Black Tern is a non-breeding migrant in Australia. Arrival is earlier in northern Australia, from August to September, and later in southern areas, from September to October, with local variation between wetlands and years.

Breeding mode: Egg laying, with breeding occurring overseas rather than in Australia.

Breeding distribution: Eastern Europe, Russia and China.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Fledging period: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Nest or colony sites: Not recorded.

Timing varies between regions and years, and local use can change with water levels, wetland condition, tides, weather and disturbance.

  • Breeding overseas, Eastern Europe, Russia and China: Breeding is overseas, with the broad timing shown for the northern breeding season; Australian breeding has not been recorded.
  • Southward arrival in Australia: Arrival is from August to September in northern Australia, from September to October in South Australia, and around late October at Caloundra in Queensland.
  • Non-breeding presence in Australia: The species uses coastal and inland freshwater or saline wetlands during the non-breeding period, with numbers at Caloundra generally highest from late December to early April.
  • Non-breeding presence in Australia, continued: Birds remain in Australia through April in many areas, but most have departed Caloundra by mid-April and departure from South Australia is recorded from April to May.
  • Northward departure from Australia: Departure generally occurs from April to May, as birds return towards the northern breeding grounds.
  • Highest clearing risk: The highest risk is from September to April, especially from December to April when non-breeding concentrations may be present at wetlands, mudflats, sandbanks and roosts; Australian breeding colonies are not known.

Identification: Appearance and field identification

The White-winged Black Tern can be difficult to identify when seen briefly over water or among other terns. Use a current field guide and obtain clear views before confirming a record, particularly where a finding may affect clearing or construction.

The species is a small tern associated with wetlands and shallow water. Its accepted scientific name is Chlidonias leucopterus.

Reliable physical measurements and a full plumage description should be taken from a current bird identification reference. Plumage can vary with season, and distant birds may be difficult to separate from other marsh and wetland terns.

Flight behaviour: Often beats steadily into the wind, skims the water surface and takes prey from the surface or nearby ground.

Water use: Uses both freshwater and saline environments.

  • Look for a tern flying low and steadily over water or wetland edges.
  • Check whether the bird is hawking over reeds, rushes, saltmarsh or muddy margins.
  • Record the habitat, flight behaviour, plumage, number of birds and direction of movement.

Identification: Calls and similar species

A species specific call description is not available for field use here. Do not rely on calls alone for identification.

Other small terns may occur over the same wetlands. Compare the whole bird, flight style, habitat and feeding behaviour with a current field guide. Photograph birds where practicable, without approaching roosts.

Nests and whitewash: No Australian nest, colony or species specific whitewash signs are established for site work.

Droppings and odour: Droppings, stains and odour are not reliable identification signs for this species.

  • Use binoculars or a telescope from outside the wetland edge.
  • Seek a second observer or expert confirmation for an uncertain record.
  • Treat an unidentified small tern as a potential migratory bird until it has been resolved.

Identification: Field signs

The most useful field signs are repeated use of a wetland edge, low aerial feeding over shallow water and groups loafing on exposed ground features. Birds may leave when approached, so an apparently empty roost may still be regularly used.

Record fresh observations before vegetation clearing, earthworks or changes to water levels. Include roost locations, feeding areas, tide or water conditions and nearby disturbance.

Survey caution: A single negative survey does not demonstrate that the site is not used.

  • Scan mudflats, sandflats, spits, banks, islets and rocks.
  • Check reeds, rushes and low wetland vegetation for occasional resting birds.
  • Look over adjacent land and saltmarsh as well as open water.

Identification: Legal status

The White-winged Black Tern is a listed migratory species under the EPBC Act through CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA. An action that is likely to have a significant impact on listed migratory birds may need referral under the EPBC Act.

In Queensland, it is a special least concern animal. Tampering with a breeding place of a relevant special least concern animal requires a high risk species management program.

Australian conservation status: Least concern. It is not listed as endangered, vulnerable or near threatened in Australia.

  • Check the approval, referral and fauna management requirements before works begin.
  • Escalate records from a proposed clearing area to the project ecologist.
  • Keep records of observations, habitat retained and any disturbance response.

Distribution: Australian range

In Australia, the White-winged Black Tern is mainly associated with northern coastal areas, but it can occur well inland and in southern wetlands during migration. Records are mapped for New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

The species is a non-breeding migrant to Australia. It occurs in coastal and near-coastal areas, as well as freshwater wetlands and other suitable sites along its route.

Northern Australia supports the largest and most regular concentrations. Large numbers have been recorded, including 15,000 birds in 1982.

Mapped Australian jurisdictions: New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

South Australia: A small but regular visitor. It has been recorded in the Coorong and Lower Lakes Ramsar site.

  • Northern coasts and coastal wetlands.
  • Estuaries, bays, harbours and lagoons.
  • Inland lakes, billabongs, rivers, floodplains, swamps and reservoirs.
  • Southern wetlands, including the Coorong and Lower Lakes in South Australia.

Distribution: Regional records

The species has been recorded at Moreton Bay and Caloundra sandbanks in Queensland, on the Broome Peninsula in Western Australia, and in the Coorong and Lower Lakes in South Australia.

Use local records and recent wetland observations when planning works. Numbers can vary greatly between sites and seasons.

Survey interpretation: Low numbers at one site do not rule out use of nearby wetlands, roosts or passage habitat.

  • Caloundra sandbanks supported more than 17,000 birds during a three year study.
  • Broome Peninsula surveys recorded a maximum of 3 birds at one site and 1 at another.
  • Lake Alexandrina records included 11 birds in 2004, with no records from 2008 or 2009 during the cited survey period.

Distribution: Overseas range

The species breeds in eastern Europe, Russia and China. It moves south for the non-breeding season, with Australia forming part of its wintering range.

Australian birds are therefore generally non-breeding visitors. An Australian record should be assessed as part of a wider migratory movement rather than as evidence of a local breeding population.

Australian breeding: No Australian breeding locations are identified for this species.

  • Breeding range: eastern Europe, Russia and China.
  • Non-breeding range: Australia and other areas south of the breeding range.

Habitat: Wetland types

The White-winged Black Tern uses a broad range of coastal, subcoastal and inland wetlands. On a development site, retain a connected wetland system rather than assessing only the small area where a bird was seen.

Suitable habitat includes open water, shallow margins and wetland vegetation. The species uses both freshwater and saline wetlands.

It may occur in natural, modified or partly degraded wetlands where feeding and roosting features remain available.

Habitat use: Foraging, loafing and roosting may occur within the same wetland complex.

Vegetation: Reeds, rushes and other low wetland vegetation can provide feeding and occasional resting habitat.

  • Estuaries, bays, harbours and lagoons.
  • Marshes, swamps, lakes and reservoirs.
  • Rivers, billabongs and floodplains.
  • Mudflats, sandflats, saltmarsh and wetland edges.

Habitat: Features to check before works

Walk or view the full wetland margin where safe to do so. Include areas outside the clearing footprint that may be affected by noise, lighting, dust, runoff or changed drainage.

Map shallow water, exposed sediment, vegetation bands and dry ground used by resting birds.

Site assessment: Assess habitat at different water levels and, where relevant, at both high and low tide.

  • Mudflats and sandflats exposed at low water or low tide.
  • Shallow pools and open water with insect activity.
  • Reedbeds, rushes and saltmarsh.
  • Spits, banks, islets, beaches and rocky margins.
  • Adjacent floodplain and low lying land that may hold water after rain.

Habitat: Wetland condition

Do not dismiss habitat because part of it is disturbed or degraded. Migratory terns may still use remaining open mud, shallow water or isolated roost features.

Check for links between feeding areas and safe roosts. A small mudflat may be used when larger nearby areas are inundated or disturbed.

Retention approach: Retain wetland edges, roost features, shallow feeding areas and natural or functioning drainage connections where practicable.

  • Record weeds, erosion, sediment movement and changes to water depth.
  • Identify existing recreation, vehicle access, dogs, lighting and regular human activity.
  • Locate drainage lines and outfalls that could carry sediment or pollutants into the wetland.

Foraging habitat: Foraging locations

The White-winged Black Tern feeds mainly in open wetland airspace and along shallow, muddy or sandy margins. Works that remove a small area of habitat or make nearby feeding areas noisy, lit or difficult to access can reduce use of the wider site.

Look for birds hawking low over water, muddy edges, sandy edges and wetland vegetation. Saltmarsh, reeds and rushes may be used for aerial feeding.

The species may also forage over adjacent land and take prey from the ground, although it rarely dives into water.

Feeding height: Usually low over water or ground.

Feeding method: Hawks, skims the surface, gleans insects and takes prey from the water surface or ground.

  • Shallow water and open wetland margins.
  • Muddy and sandy edges exposed by tides or falling water levels.
  • Reeds, rushes, saltmarsh and other wetland vegetation.
  • Adjacent low lying ground and floodplain.

Foraging habitat: Diet

The species is carnivorous. Recorded prey includes insects, spiders, fish and skinks.

Insects include grasshoppers and crickets, beetles, water beetles, weevils and ants.

Prey availability: Maintain shallow water, wetland edges and healthy vegetation that support flying and surface dwelling prey.

  • Orthopteran insects.
  • Coleopteran insects, including Hydrophilidae and Curculionidae.
  • Formicidae, spiders, fish and skinks.

Foraging habitat: Construction controls

Before clearing, mark the wetland edge and all retained feeding habitat. Prevent machinery from entering mudflats, shallow margins and wetland vegetation unless access is approved.

Control dust, sediment, lighting and runoff. These impacts can reduce feeding opportunities and may cause birds to avoid otherwise suitable habitat.

Known example: A residential project permanently removed 0.10 ha of suitable marsh and mudflat foraging habitat, while retaining 2.41 ha within a protected open space area.

  • Fence no go areas before machinery arrives.
  • Keep stockpiles, refuelling and washdown areas away from drainage paths.
  • Use sediment and erosion controls before ground disturbance.
  • Direct temporary lighting away from water, roosts and wetland vegetation.
  • Stop and report unexpected concentrations of terns or other migratory birds.

Breeding habitat: Breeding range

The White-winged Black Tern is a non-breeding migrant in Australia. It breeds in eastern Europe, Russia and China, so Australian works generally affect feeding, passage and roosting habitat rather than local breeding colonies.

The documented breeding distribution includes eastern Europe, Russia and China. No Australian breeding locations are identified.

There is no basis for assuming that a wetland used by the species in Australia contains a breeding colony. Confirm any unusual behaviour or concentration with the project ecologist.

Australian breeding timing: No Australian breeding season is identified.

Australian breeding places: No Australian nests, colonies or breeding places are identified.

  • Breeding occurs overseas in the northern part of the species range.
  • Australian birds are generally present during the non-breeding season.
  • Treat occupied Australian habitat as migratory habitat requiring protection under relevant approvals.

Breeding habitat: What to do if breeding behaviour is suspected

If birds show repeated territorial behaviour, courtship, nest building or defence of one wetland location, stop work near the area and seek advice from the fauna ecologist.

Do not enter or disturb a suspected nest or colony. Record the location from a safe distance and arrange species confirmation.

Queensland requirement: In Queensland, tampering with the breeding place of a special least concern animal requires a high risk species management program.

  • Pause clearing or earthworks in the immediate area.
  • Prevent people, vehicles and dogs from approaching the site.
  • Record behaviour, habitat, date, time and weather.
  • Check state and territory requirements before any action affecting a possible breeding place.

Breeding habitat: Habitat protection

Even where breeding is not occurring, retain the wetland features that support migrants. Loss of feeding and roosting habitat can affect birds before departure and during passage.

Avoid creating isolated wetland remnants surrounded by active construction areas. Maintain safe access between shallow feeding areas and nearby roosts.

Management focus in Australia: Protect non-breeding, passage, feeding and roosting habitat.

  • Retain wetland edges and exposed sediment where possible.
  • Protect reeds, rushes, saltmarsh and low wetland vegetation.
  • Prevent sediment, pollutants and uncontrolled drainage from entering breeding range species habitat.

Sheltering habitat: Roost features

The White-winged Black Tern usually roosts or loafs on exposed ground at wetland edges. These sites can be small and easy to overlook, and birds may move between several roosts as water levels, tides and disturbance change.

Look for open, relatively dry surfaces close to water. The species uses both natural and human influenced wetland margins where birds can rest with clear views around them.

Roosting birds may be found on sandflats, mudflats, beaches, spits, banks, islets and rocks.

Roosting behaviour: Usually roosts or loafs on the ground. It occasionally uses reeds and low vegetation.

Roost size: Species specific roost sizes are variable and should be recorded during site surveys rather than assumed.

  • Exposed mud and sand at wetland margins.
  • Sand spits and beaches.
  • Banks, islets and rocky outcrops.
  • Low reeds or other vegetation used occasionally for resting.

Sheltering habitat: Signs of an active roost

Birds may stand or sit quietly on exposed ground, with little movement between feeding periods. A roost can be vacant during a single visit if birds are feeding or have moved in response to people, dogs, vehicles or tide.

Use high tide and low tide observations where the site is tidal. High tide may concentrate birds on limited dry features, while low tide may spread them across feeding areas.

Broome survey approach: Surveys used high tide roost counts and low tide foraging counts, generally within two hours of the relevant tide.

  • Scan from a distant vantage point before walking the wetland edge.
  • Check islets and rocky margins with a telescope.
  • Record the roost location, number of birds, tide or water level and disturbance.

Sheltering habitat: Protection during works

Keep machinery, workers, vehicles and dogs away from active roosts. Use fencing and clear no go markers before construction starts.

Avoid directing lights into roosts or across open water at night. Prevent construction noise, vibration, dust and runoff from reaching retained roost habitat.

Roost response: Repeated flushing, circling or abandonment of a roost should trigger review of the work method and disturbance controls.

  • Retain roosts and the immediate approach areas where practicable.
  • Use designated access routes that do not cross mudflats, sandflats or spits.
  • Schedule noisy tasks away from periods when birds are concentrated, where project approvals allow.
  • Recheck roosts after rainfall, flooding, tidal changes or changes to site access.

Migration and seasonal presence: Arrival and departure

The White-winged Black Tern is a northern breeding migrant that spends the non-breeding season in Australia. Timing varies by region, so works planning should use local records as well as the broad seasonal pattern.

In northern Australia, birds generally arrive in August to September. In South Australia, arrival is generally September to October.

Departure from South Australia and departure from Australia generally occur in April to May. At Caloundra, Queensland, birds arrived around late October and most had departed by mid-April.

Non-breeding season: Australian presence is mainly during the Austral spring, summer and early autumn.

Passage: Birds may occur during arrival and departure movements outside the main local peak. Regional passage timing is not fully defined.

  • Northern Australia arrival: August to September.
  • South Australia arrival: September to October.
  • Caloundra arrival: around late October.
  • Main departure period: April to May.
  • At Caloundra, numbers were generally highest from late December to early April.

Migration and seasonal presence: Where birds breed and spend the non-breeding season

The species breeds in eastern Europe, Russia and China. It moves south after breeding and uses Australian coastal and inland wetlands during the non-breeding season.

In Australia, it may move between estuaries, freshwater wetlands, floodplains, lakes and other suitable sites as water and food conditions change.

Winter absence: Migratory shorebirds in the Broome region are generally absent during May to August, although this broad timing is not species specific.

  • Breeding range: eastern Europe, Russia and China.
  • Australian non-breeding habitat: coastal, near-coastal, freshwater and saline wetlands.
  • Movement between feeding areas and roosts may occur within a wetland complex.

Migration and seasonal presence: Important habitat in Australia

Important habitat includes wetlands that support regular feeding, roosting or passage, especially where open water, shallow margins and safe exposed roosts occur together.

A site can be important even when numbers are low. Consider the function of the wetland within the wider local network and whether nearby habitat is available if a site is disturbed.

Planning trigger: A record during the migration period should prompt assessment of direct habitat loss, disturbance, lighting, drainage and indirect effects on nearby wetlands.

  • Regularly used estuaries, lagoons, marshes, lakes, billabongs and floodplains.
  • Mudflats, sandflats, saltmarsh, shallow water and wetland vegetation used for feeding.
  • Spits, banks, islets, beaches and rocks used for roosting or loafing.
  • Wetland complexes that provide several habitat types within flight distance.

Migration and seasonal presence: Survey timing for projects

Survey across the period when birds are expected locally. For tidal sites, combine high tide roost surveys with low tide foraging surveys.

In the Broome survey program, high and low tide surveys were generally completed within two hours of the relevant tide. A further July or August survey was recommended for the broader migratory bird survey program.

Survey example: A Broome program completed 29 surveys at the main sites, including 10 high tide surveys and 13 low tide surveys.

  • Use repeated visits rather than relying on one inspection.
  • Include arrival, peak use and departure periods where the project schedule allows.
  • Survey after changes in water level, flooding, tidal access or disturbance.
  • Record all migratory birds, not only the target species.

Threats: Habitat loss and degradation

Development can affect the White-winged Black Tern through habitat loss, disturbance and changes to wetland function. Most risks can be reduced by retaining wetland edges, protecting roosts and controlling construction activity near water.

Clearing marsh, mudflat, saltmarsh, shallow wetland edge or roosting ground can remove feeding and resting habitat. Small losses may matter where the remaining wetland is already limited or heavily used.

Drainage, filling, altered water levels, sediment movement and longshore changes can reduce the value of a wetland even when open water remains.

Known project example: A proposed development identified permanent removal of 0.10 ha of suitable marsh and mudflat foraging habitat.

  • Avoid clearing wetland edges and exposed roost features.
  • Maintain natural or functioning drainage connections.
  • Prevent sediment and erosion from covering mudflats or shallow feeding areas.
  • Retain vegetation bands, including reeds, rushes and saltmarsh.

Threats: Disturbance from construction and recreation

Machinery, vehicles, workers, noise, vibration, dust and increased activity can cause birds to leave feeding or roosting areas. Repeated disturbance may reduce use even when habitat remains.

Four wheel driving, dog walking, fishing, boat launching and other recreation can also disturb wetland birds and cause direct mortality through uncontrolled dogs.

Disturbance indicators: Repeated flushing, circling, relocation or abandonment of a feeding or roosting area.

  • Fence retained habitat and no go areas before works begin.
  • Use defined access routes and enforce vehicle speed limits.
  • Keep workers, dogs and vehicles away from active roosts.
  • Use fauna inductions and pre-start briefings.
  • Stop and reassess work if birds repeatedly flush from a roost.

Threats: Lighting, pollution and runoff

Artificial lighting can alter use of night-time wetland edges and expose roosts to disturbance. Fuel, oil, runoff, dust, sediment and other pollutants can affect water quality and prey.

Construction compounds, washdown areas and stockpiles should be located away from drainage lines and wetland margins.

Operational check: Inspect drainage, lighting, erosion controls and waste storage after rainfall and during routine environmental audits.

  • Direct lights away from water, mudflats, roosts and wetland vegetation.
  • Use sediment fencing, stabilised access points and erosion controls.
  • Keep fuels, chemicals and waste secure and away from drainage paths.
  • Use clean machinery and certified imported fill to reduce weed and pathogen risks.

Threats: Invasive species and predators

Weeds, invasive marine species and poor site hygiene can degrade wetland habitat. Food waste may attract feral predators and pest animals to roosting or feeding areas.

Manage waste and weeds throughout construction and operation. Do not allow temporary works to create easy access for dogs, feral animals or vehicles.

Management focus: Protect habitat function, reduce disturbance and prevent pollution or pest impacts across the full wetland edge.

  • Keep construction areas clean and remove food waste promptly.
  • Monitor and manage weeds around retained wetland habitat.
  • Use hygiene controls for machinery and imported fill.
  • Prevent uncontrolled dogs and vehicles from entering roosts and mudflats.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

White-winged Black Terns are non-breeding migrants in Australia. Survey effort should focus on coastal and near-coastal wetlands, freshwater and saline wetlands, muddy or sandy edges, marshes, sandbanks and roosting places such as spits, islets, banks and rocks.

Map all wetland habitat within and near the work area before planning clearing or construction. Include water bodies, marshes, mudflats, saltmarsh, estuaries, lagoons, rivers, floodplains, reservoirs, sandbanks and wetland edges.

Identify likely foraging areas over open water, muddy edges, sandy edges, reeds, rushes and adjacent land. Map likely loafing and roosting areas separately, including sandflats, mudflats, beaches, spits, banks, islets and rocks.

  • Check records from the project area and nearby wetlands, including records under both White-winged Black Tern and White-winged Tern.
  • Treat northern coastal Australia, Moreton Bay, Broome and other coastal wetland areas as potential habitat where local records are limited.
  • Plan for seasonal use. Arrival is generally August to September in northern Australia and September to October in South Australia. Departure is generally April to May. At Caloundra, birds have arrived around late October and most had departed by mid-April.
  • Consider that birds may be present during passage or when moving between wetlands. Do not rely on the absence of birds during one visit.

Survey methodology: 2. Field survey timing and conditions

Survey during the period when the species is most likely to be present. In northern Australia, focus on August to April, with local timing checked against records. In South Australia, focus on September to May.

Use repeated visits where habitat is suitable and the project may affect a wetland, roost or sandbank. The species can occur in large numbers, but local records may be infrequent.

Survey in suitable weather and visibility. Delay or repeat counts after heavy rain or during high winds where these conditions reduce detection or cause birds to leave the site.

  • Complete observations at both high tide and low tide where tidal wetlands are present.
  • Conduct high-tide roost counts as close to high tide as practicable and within two hours either side of high tide.
  • Conduct low-tide foraging counts as close to low tide as practicable and within two hours either side of low tide.
  • Where the project may affect migratory bird habitat, consider an additional July or August visit as part of a broader seasonal survey program. This is especially relevant where winter absence needs to be confirmed or where the survey program must address EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.21 requirements.
  • At inland wetlands, survey during periods when water, mudflats or wetland vegetation provide suitable feeding or roosting habitat.

Survey methodology: 3. Detection method

Search slowly from a position that provides a clear view of open water, wetland margins and roosting places. Use binoculars and a telescope where birds are distant or on islets.

Walk the water's edge, beaches, muddy margins and rocky headlands where access is safe. Scan over water and wetland vegetation for terns hawking low, skimming the surface or taking prey from the ground.

Use a high vantage point or a stationary count where the whole wetland or roost can be viewed without approaching the birds.

  • Search sand spits, islets, banks, rocks, beaches, mudflats, sandflats, reeds, rushes and low vegetation.
  • Look for steady flight into the wind, aerial hawking over water or wetland vegetation, and birds feeding low over muddy or sandy edges.
  • Avoid flushing a roost before it has been counted. Approach from downwind where practicable and keep people and vehicles away from the roost.
  • For large or mobile flocks, count in sections and record the direction of movement so that birds are not counted twice.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and interpretation

Record the date, start and finish time, weather, wind, tide state, water level, observer names and survey locations. Record the survey method and whether the count was made from a vantage point, along a transect or from a boat or vehicle.

Record the number of White-winged Black Terns, behaviour, flight direction, feeding areas, roost locations and any response to people, vehicles, machinery, lighting or noise.

  • Photograph distant birds or flocks where this can be done without disturbance.
  • Map the location of each flock, feeding area and roost. Mark the habitat used, including open water, mudflat, sandflat, marsh, saltmarsh, reeds, rushes, beach, sandbank, spit, islet or rock.
  • Record other migratory birds using the same habitat.
  • Report uncertainty in identification and obtain an experienced ornithologist's review where needed. White-winged Black Terns can be difficult to detect and local records may be sparse, so absence from a single survey should not be treated as proof that habitat is unused.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan works to avoid wetland habitat, active roosts and concentrated feeding areas wherever practicable. Confirm environmental approvals before work starts, particularly where the action may significantly affect a listed migratory species.

Assess the action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A listed migratory species is a matter of national environmental significance. Refer the action if it is likely to have a significant impact on White-winged Black Terns or their important habitat.

Check state and territory requirements before clearing, earthworks, dewatering, access works or disturbance to wetlands. Obtain any required wildlife, clearing, waterway, planning and construction approvals.

In Queensland, treat the species as a special least concern animal because it is a least concern bird listed under JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA or the Bonn Convention. Obtain a high risk species management plan where the activity may tamper with a breeding place. Confirm the current Queensland requirements with the administering authority.

  • Keep approval conditions, permits, fauna management plans and referral documents on site.
  • Make the spotter catcher and site supervisor aware of all permit conditions before work begins.
  • Do not assume that a least concern listing removes the need to assess migratory species obligations.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site controls

Redesign the work area to retain wetland margins, mudflats, marsh, sandbanks and roosting places. Retain the largest practical area of suitable habitat and maintain access between feeding and roosting areas.

Use clearly marked no-go areas around retained habitat. The appropriate separation distance depends on the site, flock size, background disturbance, line of sight and activity type. Set the distance with the project ecologist and approval conditions rather than applying an unsupported standard distance.

  • Fence and sign retained vegetation, wetland edges, mudflats, sandbanks and roosts before clearing.
  • Keep machinery, vehicles, stockpiles, lighting and worker access outside exclusion areas.
  • Prevent sediment, concrete washout, fuel, oil, rubbish and other pollutants from entering wetlands.
  • Use directional, shielded lighting and switch off unnecessary lights near wetland edges.
  • Control dogs, recreational access and four-wheel-driving near roosts and feeding areas.
  • Schedule noisy or high-impact work outside periods when birds are concentrated, where the ecologist or approval conditions identify a workable seasonal window.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance inspection

Complete a final inspection immediately before clearing or disturbance. Survey open water, wetland margins, marsh, mudflat, sandflat, reeds, rushes, beaches, spits, banks, islets and rocks.

Use high-tide and low-tide observations where tidal habitat is affected. Check whether birds are feeding, loafing or roosting in the impact area or in retained habitat nearby.

  • Inspect the full disturbance footprint and the proposed access, laydown and spoil areas.
  • Check for active breeding places or colonies even though White-winged Black Terns are non-breeding migrants in Australia and Australian breeding is not generally documented.
  • Mark any active roost, colony or breeding place and stop the relevant work until the project ecologist confirms the control measures.
  • Repeat the inspection if work is delayed, the habitat changes, water levels change substantially or a flock arrives.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Crew induction and readiness

Include White-winged Black Tern in the site fauna induction. Show workers photographs or approved identification material and explain that the species may be present on water, mudflats, sandbanks or wetland edges.

Give the fauna spotter catcher clear authority to stop or redirect work when a bird, flock, roost or breeding place may be at risk.

  • Explain the no-go areas, access routes, speed limits, lighting controls and reporting chain.
  • Tell workers not to approach, chase, feed, handle or photograph birds at close range.
  • Keep a clean, quiet vehicle and suitable containers available for an injured bird response, but do not handle birds unless authorised and trained.
  • Place contact details for the project ecologist, wildlife carer or veterinarian and site manager in the fauna management plan.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing and supervision

Keep disturbance controlled and predictable. White-winged Black Terns may move between feeding and roosting areas, so the spotter catcher must watch both the impact area and nearby retained wetland habitat.

Clear in small, managed stages from the disturbed area towards retained habitat only where this provides a safe and suitable direction of movement. Do not drive birds towards roads, active machinery, people, steep banks or unsuitable habitat.

Use a fauna spotter catcher during clearing and other high-risk activities near wetland habitat. Maintain visual coverage of the work area, access tracks and nearby roosts.

  • Stop work when visibility is poor, a flock enters the work area or machinery approaches a roost.
  • Keep machinery speeds low and follow the approved site speed limit.
  • Use water carts and dust controls without spraying birds, roosts or open water in a way that causes flushing or pollution.
  • Prevent sediment and dirty water from reaching feeding or roosting habitat.
  • Keep workers, vehicles and machinery within approved work areas.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Response to a roost, colony or breeding place

If a roost or colony is found, stop the activity that may disturb it. Establish a temporary exclusion area based on the birds' behaviour, the activity and the line of sight, then obtain advice from the project ecologist.

If an active breeding place is found, stop work that may affect it. Do not move the nest, eggs or young. Obtain the required approval and specialist advice before work resumes.

  • Record the location, number of birds, habitat, behaviour, disturbance response, time and weather.
  • Keep people, vehicles, dogs, lighting and machinery away until the ecologist confirms controls.
  • Use a spotter to check whether birds have returned after a temporary disturbance.
  • Do not remove a roost, sandbank or wetland margin as a substitute for moving birds.
  • Escalate any possible breach of an EPBC approval, species management plan or state permit immediately.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handling and injured animals

White-winged Black Terns should not be handled as part of routine clearing. Allow healthy birds to leave without pursuit wherever possible.

Only authorised and appropriately trained people may capture, restrain or relocate an animal. Follow the project fauna management plan and relevant wildlife requirements.

  • If a bird is injured, stop nearby work and keep people, vehicles and predators away.
  • Contact the project ecologist, licensed wildlife carer or veterinarian promptly.
  • Use a ventilated, secure container only when capture is authorised and necessary. Keep the container quiet, shaded and at a stable temperature.
  • Do not give food or water unless directed by a veterinarian or wildlife carer.
  • Record the injury, location, suspected cause, photographs where safe, time of capture and person receiving the animal.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Daily records and escalation

Maintain a daily fauna log throughout clearing and construction near suitable habitat. Record observations even when no White-winged Black Terns are seen.

The fauna spotter catcher should report any change in flock numbers, roost use, feeding activity or disturbance response to the site supervisor and project ecologist.

  • Record date, time, weather, tide or water level, location, species, number, behaviour and action taken.
  • Record all stop-work events, exclusion areas, injuries, mortalities, relocations and released animals.
  • Report unauthorised clearing, pollution, lighting, vehicle access or disturbance through the project's incident system.
  • Notify the relevant regulator where required by approval conditions or law.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Complete checks before the site is released from fauna supervision. Follow up any injured animal, mortality, roost disturbance or habitat loss through the project's incident and approval reporting systems.

Inspect the completed work area, retained wetland edges, access tracks and exclusion fencing after each clearing stage. Look for injured or trapped fauna, damaged fencing, sediment movement and new access into retained habitat.

Check nearby mudflats, sandbanks, marsh and roosting places for continued use by White-winged Black Terns and other migratory birds.

  • Remove temporary hazards such as open pits, netting, unsecured pipes, waste and poorly covered drains.
  • Repair damaged exclusion fencing and signs immediately.
  • Confirm that no machinery, spoil, wash water, rubbish or lighting is affecting retained habitat.
  • Keep the site under fauna supervision until the project ecologist confirms that the area is safe.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Reporting and compliance

Prepare a fauna and migratory bird report that links observations and incidents to the approval conditions and management plan. Include both positive records and the limits of the survey effort.

Report any significant impact, mortality, injury, active breeding place, colony disturbance or unauthorised habitat loss through the required regulatory pathway.

  • Include maps, photographs, survey dates, tide or water conditions, effort, observers, counts and behaviour.
  • Document all stop-work directions and the time taken to implement controls.
  • Record habitat retained, habitat disturbed, restoration actions and any changes to wetland hydrology.
  • Provide records to the approval holder, project ecologist and relevant authorities within the required timeframes.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Monitoring relocated or injured animals

Follow the wildlife carer's or veterinarian's instructions for any injured animal. Record the destination, treatment provider and outcome when that information is available.

Do not release a rehabilitated bird into an unsuitable or disturbed location. The release site should provide safe wetland habitat and be selected by an appropriately authorised person.

  • Record the release date, location, condition and identification details where available.
  • Check the release area for hazards, dogs, active works, contaminated water and concentrated human activity.
  • Do not use relocation as a substitute for avoiding disturbance to a healthy roost or feeding flock.
  • Report failed release, further injury or mortality to the responsible wildlife authority or carer.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review and adaptive management

Review every incident with the site supervisor, fauna spotter catcher and project ecologist. Use the review to improve work sequencing, exclusion areas, lighting, access and induction material.

Increase survey or monitoring effort if birds use retained habitat more often than expected, arrive outside the planned seasonal window or repeatedly enter the work area.

  • Identify the immediate cause and any contributing conditions.
  • Update the fauna management plan and site maps where controls were ineffective.
  • Brief all crews again after a material incident or change in work method.
  • Retain the review and monitoring records with the project environmental file.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore wetland habitat

Rehabilitation should restore wetland function and protect the feeding and roosting habitat used by this migrant tern. Focus on water, open wetland margins, mudflats, sandbanks, native wetland vegetation and low disturbance.

Reinstate natural drainage and shallow wetland areas where the project has altered water movement. Retain a mix of open water, muddy edges, sandy edges and native wetland vegetation.

Use local native reeds, rushes and other appropriate wetland plants where revegetation is needed. Avoid creating dense vegetation across all open margins, because the species forages over open water and wet edges.

  • Stabilise exposed soil without covering mudflats or sandbanks that are required for feeding or roosting.
  • Prevent sediment and contaminated runoff from entering the wetland.
  • Retain or recreate gently sloping wetland edges where consistent with the approved design.
  • Maintain safe access for monitoring without creating new vehicle or pedestrian disturbance.
  • Use local hydrology and wetland specialists to set water levels and inundation patterns.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Manage weeds, predators and waste

Inspect rehabilitated wetland margins for weeds and invasive plants. Remove weeds using methods that do not disturb roosting birds or contaminate water.

Manage food waste and other attractants that may draw feral predators or pest animals to feeding and roosting areas.

  • Use clean machinery and certified clean fill where required by the project biosecurity plan.
  • Prevent weed spread on vehicles, footwear, fill and equipment.
  • Remove rubbish, fishing line, plastic and other entanglement hazards.
  • Control access by dogs and vehicles where these activities disturb roosts or feeding birds.
  • Do not use pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals near wetlands unless approved and applied by authorised personnel.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Lighting, noise and access

Design the completed site to keep unnecessary lighting, noise and human activity away from wetland edges and roosts. Use existing disturbance corridors rather than opening new access routes.

Shield lights, direct them away from water and wetland margins, and use the lowest effective intensity and duration.

  • Install signs that identify sensitive wetland and roosting habitat.
  • Use barriers or gates to control vehicles, four-wheel-driving, dogs and informal access where required.
  • Keep permanent infrastructure, waste areas and high-use recreation facilities away from sandbanks, spits, mudflats and known roosts.
  • Inspect lighting and access controls after commissioning and after complaints or new bird records.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Replacement habitat and structures

White-winged Black Terns do not use nest boxes or bat boxes. Do not install boxes as replacement habitat for this species.

Artificial nest sites or roost structures should only be considered where a qualified wetland ecologist identifies a demonstrated need and the design matches the local habitat and approval conditions.

  • Prioritise replacement or restoration of open water, mudflats, sandflats, marsh, sandbanks, spits, islets, banks and rocks rather than boxes.
  • Do not place artificial structures where they reduce open feeding area, create predator perches or increase human disturbance.
  • Obtain approval before modifying a wetland or constructing an artificial roost or nesting feature.
  • Monitor any constructed feature to confirm that it is safe and used by the intended species.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Monitor restored and retained habitat across the period when White-winged Black Terns may be present. In northern Australia this generally includes August to April. In South Australia, include September to May where suitable habitat remains.

Use repeat counts at high tide for roosts and low tide for feeding areas where tidal habitat is present. Compare results with pre-work records and nearby wetlands.

  • Record White-winged Black Tern numbers, behaviour, roost and feeding locations, habitat condition, water levels, weeds, predators and disturbance.
  • Continue monitoring long enough to identify whether birds use the restored habitat during more than one seasonal cycle, where required by approvals.
  • Review monitoring results with the project ecologist and change weed control, access, lighting or water management if habitat use declines.
  • Retain monitoring data and maps for future clearing, maintenance and environmental approval decisions.

Sources