I have been seeing these terns with black bills and partially black heads (first 5 photos) all over Oman and I think they are non-breeding Common Terns but could also be White-cheeked, Whiskered or Roseate Terns. These photos were all taken between April 20-24 on or near Masirah Island, Oman. Photos also include a Little Tern and a Greater Crested Tern, for size reference.
Then there is a photo of a very similar looking tern but you can see by the Lesser Crested Tern next to it that it is actually much larger. I am assuming it is a Gull-billed Tern transitioning into breeding plumage because I don't see the yellow tip characteristic of Sandwich Terns, but I am unsure.
Finally, some pictures of what I believe is a Bridled (not Sooty) Tern taken this morning (April 25) in Khasab Musandam in the Strait of Hormuz (Omani Exclave near UAE). Back seemed to be more gray than black and white forehead seemed to extend past the eye, hence my guess that it is Bridled not Sooty. But Terns are definitely not my strong-suit so wanted to get others' opinions on this!
Then there is a photo of a very similar looking tern but you can see by the Lesser Crested Tern next to it that it is actually much larger. I am assuming it is a Gull-billed Tern transitioning into breeding plumage because I don't see the yellow tip characteristic of Sandwich Terns, but I am unsure.
Finally, some pictures of what I believe is a Bridled (not Sooty) Tern taken this morning (April 25) in Khasab Musandam in the Strait of Hormuz (Omani Exclave near UAE). Back seemed to be more gray than black and white forehead seemed to extend past the eye, hence my guess that it is Bridled not Sooty. But Terns are definitely not my strong-suit so wanted to get others' opinions on this!
Attachments
-
Common Terns & 1 Little .jpeg630.8 KB · Views: 55
-
Common Terns & 1 Little.jpeg1.1 MB · Views: 54
-
Common Terns & Greated Crested.jpeg333.1 KB · Views: 51
-
Common Terns Breeding.jpeg548.2 KB · Views: 46
-
Common Terns non & breeding.jpeg212.5 KB · Views: 46
-
Gull-billed & Lesser Crested.jpeg386.3 KB · Views: 51
Last edited: