Tern ID Requested | Australia (1 of 3) (3 Viewers)

[Apb_birds]

Hi there,

Tern spotted and photographed on Opal Reef (location 1) an hour or so off the coast of Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia. Definitely smaller and more delicate than a Great Crested Tern. Spotted on 29th April 2025 - thanks!

Excuse the poor quality pics therein, have cropped for close ups

 

[SueO]

I keep coming back to Common Tern (longipennis).

 

[SueO]

I think I have listed all the tern species that might be seen in this area of Queensland. I have put in bold the species I think are the contenders. If anyone believes it could be one of the others, please give some input. My reasons for being in the Sterna hirundo longipennis camp:
In range.
Bill dark, a bit thick at base but tapers to point, slightly decurved.
A few of the images seemed to show a black shoulder bar.
Dark, longish legs.
Translucent patches on underwing with black trailing edge of outer half of wing.
Tail slightly upswept while at rest.
Tail not quite adult.
Likes to be a bit off-shore.
I did bold print a few others that I have discounted for one reason or another.
Apb isn't the only inquiring mind here. If I am way off base, please tell me why and why it is something else.
Thanks
Crested
Lesser Crested
Caspian
Little
White-winged Black
Whiskered
Black-napped
Roseate
Bridled
Common
Sooty
Gull-billed
Arctic should be out of range

 

[njlarsen]

I may be wrong, but I think there is too much dark in the tail for Roseate which is one of the others you put in bold.
Niels

 

[SueO]

Hi Niels,
Personally, I have several reasons for discounting Roseate. I won't post why unless needed. I only put the Roseate and Whiskered in bold because they are the only others that I though could be confusing. I don't know what else it could be but Common, but maybe I've simply convinced myself? What else can it be? I noticed this thread had gone by the wayside and thought some input would be good.
Sue

 

[sicklebill]

Common Tern for me

 

[Apb_birds]

Thank you Sue, Niels and Sicklebill! Really appreciate the dedicated input - common tern it is, not a lifer but one for the AU list for sure! Thanks again