Saunders's vs Little Tern Id help please, Muscat, Oman, Mar 23, 2024 (1 Viewer)

[bhutjoe]

Hi, have been reading a bit on the issues in accurately idenifying saunders's and little terns and understand that in non-breeding, non-flying birds it is extremely difficult. But on the basis that not all knowledge is written down, I am risking asking for any help on whether these photos show one or the other. Of course, perhaps they are something else again
There were quite a few sandwich terns (and greater and lesser crested) nearby but I don't see any yellow tip on this ones, and they seemed "closer to the ground".
Photos taken on the coast just south or west of the airport in Muscat, near a small creek flowing into the ocean.
Thank you in advance for all comments, suggestions and criticisms
steve

 

[Butty]

No little-tern-types here: bills too short, legs too long and wrong colour. Marsh terns? Terns are so tricky...

 

[bhutjoe]

Thank you Butty, I will revisit this
Much appreciated
steve

 

[smiths]

Hi bhutjoe, the first two photos (or rather, one photo uploaded twice) show a (presumed second calendar year) Little Tern.
Saunders's Tern is actually easy to exclude, based on the pattern of the inner primaries, the head pattern, the colour of the outer primaries and the colour of the greater coverts. Contrary to your understanding, the identification of Saunders's Tern is easier in non-breeding than breeding plumages. If you are interested in this matter, have a look at the recent paper by Mullarney & Campbell (2022). It is already a classic!
Note that non-breeding Saunders's Terns actually seem to be very rare in the Persian Gulf.

Your third photo shows two Common Terns.

 

[Butty]

the first two photos . . .
Your third photo shows . . .

Could you give just a few basic ID pointers?

 

[bhutjoe]

Thanks Smiths, that is very much appreciated, the identification, the what to look for and the paper. The Common Terns were unexpected but welcomed
steve

 

[smiths]

Could you give just a few basic ID pointers?

For the Common Terns? The head pattern, with extensive black nape and rear crown, as well as the typical, downward black 'curl' reaching below eye level. Bill shape, with rather strong base and straight lower mandible, helps to separate from White-cheeked tern.

 

[Butty]

... and the little tern?

head pattern, with extensive black nape and rear crown, as well as the typical, downward black 'curl' reaching below eye level. Bill shape, with rather strong base and straight lower mandible

Thanks for specifying - though I can't say I find any of that distinctive. Terns are so tricky... 🤷🏻

 

[bhutjoe]

Thank you Smiths, much appreciated for the additional info re common vs white-cheeked terns. I took a few photos today that I think are one or the other so I will apply your information to them.
thank you again
steve

 

[Dutchbirder64]

Take a look at this excellent article in Dutch Birding on Little vs Saunders's Terns.

 

[bhutjoe]

Thank you Dutchbirder, most interesting. Now the difficult part, for me anyways, of applying the information accurately
steve