Tern sp ID (1 Viewer)

[Keeplooking]

HI All, Saw this tern (marked) on Brownsea Island Lagoon 30072022.
I got a few pics before everything went up! I do have a theory... But has anyone seen this bird in and around Poole Harbour or ever seen a Common with an oversized tail?
Natural variation in this species for instance?
Thanks

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Welcome to BirdForum. This looks like a Roseate Tern to me.

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi there and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like.

I agree with Andrew after doing a google search on images of terns.

 

[Keeplooking]

Thank you all, You know what it's like... "you" start trying to squeeze a bird into the "common" species!

 

[THE_FERN]

Welcome to BirdForum. This looks like a Roseate Tern to me.

It's not the only one is it? The bird to the left for example with extensive black on the bill, long tail streamers—even allowing for the drooping wings—and pale mantle.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

It's not the only one is it? The bird to the left for example with extensive black on the bill, long tail streamers—even allowing for the drooping wings—and pale mantle.

I didn't notice the arrows and actually was looking at that bird and not the one asleep with the arrow pointing at it. I suspect they're both Roseates.

 

[Keeplooking]

Well ,that bird you mention didn't seem to go down well when I put the news out, In fact it made me doubt myself! But yes I thought more than one.
The problem was a lot of Terns were in the way while I was trying to ID these two and the Birds were very jumpy so I had to stop watching and chance some photos which meant I didn't have long views to say the least!

More of the left hand bird in pic.

 

[THE_FERN]

Well it's clearly a roseate for me...