Gelochelidon macrotarsa is split from Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica (Clements 2007:104–105)
Australia now has a breeding endemic tern species with the split of the Australian Tern, which differs from the widespread Gull-billed Tern in numerous often subtle ways. Non-breeders of the two overlap at least from eastern Indonesia to northwestern Australia, though they are often identifiable given adequate views or photos.