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Inspiring and Supporting Photographers of Australian Birds

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Having trouble identifying a bird? Hopefully, someone here can help.
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Terns in flight 2 years 11 months ago #2745

  • Michael Hamel-Green
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I'm in Tern Trouble again. These were all taken a few days ago in the same shore vicinity near Little River Hide at Werribee Treatment plant. They have yellow beaks that seem to fit Crested Terns (albeit with crests lowered). However, their white tails and shape don't seem to fit with Crested Terns. Another possibility seems to be Whiskered Terns but their yellow beaks don't seem to be reddish enough.
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Terns in flight 2 years 11 months ago #2746

  • Simon Pelling
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Large terns with all yellow beaks and black legs are most likely the Great Crested Tern. The tail looks rounded when spread, see for example image 44575.

Simon

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Terns in flight 2 years 11 months ago #2747

  • Michael Hamel-Green
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Thanks for confirmation of this, especially, the distinction from a Lesser Crested Tern. I was certainly puzzled by the apparent absence of a crest, but then, if you are streamlining yourself to dive bomb for a fish, it does make sense to fllatten your crest!

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