Tern, Portland, Maine, May 16, 2021 (1 Viewer)

[howiewu]

Hi,

I saw a small flock of these terns in Portland, Maine today (May 16, 2021), in the "Bug Light" area of the river/bay.

My thinking is Common Tern? A large number of these were reported a few days before in the same area.

Thanks in advance,
Howard

 

[Microtus]

I agree, Common Tern.

 

[THE_FERN]

Is there a clear way to exclude Forster's here? I think the bill shape, extent of black look better for that species.

(Many of the things you'd check like underparts colour, wing colour I think are difficult to assesss in this photo)

[Edit: peterginsburg just pm'd me to point out the dark outer vanes to outer tail feathers. I agree this makes it common tern; Macaulay photos show Forster's has dark inner vanes (when it has dark feathers)]