Tern, Saunder’s

Conservation status:

Common Migrant Breeder

Description:

Very difficult to separate from Little Tern in non-breeding plumage, particularly in Arabian Gulf, where intermediates between the two apparently occur. In breeding plumage there is a triangular white spot on the forehead. This is larger in Little Tern. In flight outer primaries tend to show more black than in Little Tern. Rump is more grey than in Little Tern. Outside the breeding season more white develops on the head and the bill darkens.