Black Tern? N Poland (1 Viewer)

[Max S.]

I would be grateful for some confirmation on this tern found last week in NW Poland. Many thanks in advance.

 

[PW23]

Looks good for Black. White-winged would have different markings on the wing (white on the top, black on the underside joining the black body).

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Black tern indeed - note colouration on underwing and rump - White-winged has black coverts and white flight feathers and a white rump.

 

[Harrybongo]

I would be grateful for some confirmation on this tern found last week in NW Poland. Many thanks in advance.

Hi. Yeah, Black Tern for me too. And just to add, you can just see a grey tail, white-winged would be white.

 

[Max S.]

Thank you all for the help. First time seeing any Chlidonias and was a bit confused by the white around the eye.

 

[01101001]

Collins guide has it that both Black and White-winged Tern progressively lose certain black feathers on their head between summer and winter. All three Chlidonias terns also seem to progressively lose the dark colour of the belly.

(EDIT: I even have a photo of the plate on my phone, but I don't think I can post it here, and I can't attach anything to a private message.)

 

[Butty]

Or immature. Whichever, an intermediate plumage - as occurs in all species - it's just more obvious in some than in others.