Tern, Whiskered

Conservation status:

Common

Description:

Slightly larger than Little and Saunder's terns with slightly longer, broader wings, slightly more forked tail (adult), longer legs and heavier bill; flight buoyant and restless. It both snatches and dives for food. Adult in summer has uniform pale grey upper surface (including rump and tail); sooty grey underparts contrasting with whitish cheek-stripe and underwings. In winter, when underparts white, best told from similar White-winged Tern by flight, stouter longer bill, narrower, more straight-edged cap.