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Having trouble identifying a bird? Hopefully, someone here can help.

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Another Tern conundrum 1 year 1 week ago #3404

Michael Hamel-Green
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Posts: 115
Thank you received: 5

Another Tern conundrum, this time between Fairy and Little Tern. The white forehead could be either, as too the yellow bill. and darker outer primaries, although perhaps the latter might be more characteristic of a Little Tern in breeding plumage. On the other hand, there is no black tip to bill that you would expect to see on a Little Tern, so perhaps it is a Fairy Tern. It was certainly relatively small. Hoping someone can help.

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Another Tern conundrum 1 year 1 week ago #3405

Ian Wilson Offline Platinum Member Posts: 432 Thank you received: 496	Hi Michael. Looks like another Crested Tern to me. Cheers, Ian
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Another Tern conundrum 1 year 1 week ago #3406

Bindi Hillen Offline New Member Posts: 7 Thank you received: 2	Hi Micheal, I agree with Ian. This looks more like a crested due to: The not full black cap on the head (as would be seen in fairy or little breeding plumage) (and doesn't have black tip whereas little tern would) The beak being completely yellow (non-breeding fairy and little terns have got Black bill)
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Another Tern conundrum 1 year 1 week ago #3407

Michael Hamel-Green
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Thank you received: 5

Dear Ian and Bindi,
Many thanks for your very helpful clarification that it is a Crested Tern. I was seeing a smaller Tern at the time and realise I have another photo of a Tern taken round the same time, and this time with a black bill and quite large white forehead (see attached). Perhaps this is a Fairy or Little Tern. I am seeing quite a few Terns at Werribee at the moment and I am trying to learn how to better distinguish them.
Michael

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Another Tern conundrum 1 year 1 week ago #3409

Ian Wilson Offline Platinum Member Posts: 432 Thank you received: 496	Ah! Now we are seeing something different. I think I can see a hint of a dark carpal-bar, like in adult non-breeding Little Tern. And as you are observing a small tern, I think Little Tern is a good bet given the time of year and location.
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Another Tern conundrum 1 year 1 week ago #3411

Craig Lakey Offline Senior Member Posts: 69 Thank you received: 21	Hi Michael, Wondering if you managed to photograph the recent Black Tern in your travels to WTP? Best regards, Craig BirdLife Photography Communications Coordinator
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