Still going through IDs from last year and came across this one in my husband's pictures. With his permission, we would like to confirm the ID as a juvenile Whisked Tern. It is that dark patch near the shoulder that is concerning me.
Thanks
Sue
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Hi Sue, as always, I am no expert, and will happily be corrected. Bill looks a little heavy for most Terns, and I am going to suggest a Gull Billed Tern. I really have no idea, but just trying to kick start the conversation.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thanks, Dale. I think that you are right as the billl is heavy. Eventually I will get to know the features to look for in Terns but it is taking a while.
Sue
Hello, the dark trailing edges to the primaries is also good for GbT
Peter
I disagree with others, the bill is not big & chunky enough for a Gull-billed Tern, & the pattern of black on the crown is wrong for Gull-billed Tern too. I reckon it's a young chlidonias type Tern, either Whiskered Tern or White-winged Black Tern.
Knowing the date of the photo might help rule out White-winged, as I don't think you would get a young White-winged looking like this in Aust between months of aounnd Feb-Jul?
It was late September, Steve.
September, so could be a recently arrived young White-winged Black Tern. I'm not sure, but still think young chlidonias type.
I agree with Steve, very confident its an immature Whiskered Tern.
LM
Ok, thanks everyone. Seems my first thought of immature Whiskered Tern might be correct. The discussion is helpful.
I now have one from Lord Howe which I think might be a Lesser Crested Tern. Will try to post when internet less flakey.
Sue