Sooty or Bridled Tern(s)? | ID Requested | Australia (2 Viewers)

[Apb_birds]

Hello - me again and my out of focus pics!

I believe these are Sooty Terns due to the lack of white supercilium above and beyond the eye, very dark overwing and generally darker corners of the underwing - but thought I’d double check and maybe learn something new

Spotted at Hastings Reef (which isn’t too far from Michaelmaes Cay) in Far North Queensland which is off the coast of Cairns (spotted yesterday) - thanks!

 

[SueO]

I agree with you. Sooty. I don't think I have one and we sailed right past there.

 

[njlarsen]

My Australian bird book stresses that Bridled is paler and greyer, especially on the mantle. Where this meets the dark cap there is a significant contrast in that species. Less so in these images so agree on Sooty.
Niels