Terns, Zanzibar, Feb 2024 (1 Viewer)

[frogstar]

Saw a lot of different terns on Zanzibar at Jambiani beach in the south east of the island. I know the rear bird is a Greater Crested Tern but the middle and front birds I have no idea. I thought the middle was a Common Tern but apparently they're uncommon in Zanzibar.
Thanks in advance
Kevin

 

[THE_FERN]

Rear bird looks like lesser crested (orange, not yellow bill), middle bird looks like common tern, nearest looks like little tern (assume Saunder's isn't a possibility). For latter, note e.g. yellow on bill

 

[tconzemi]

Unfortunately Roseate and Saunder's occur on Zanzibar

 

[frogstar]

Rear bird looks like lesser crested (orange, not yellow bill), middle bird looks like common tern, nearest looks like little tern (assume Saunder's isn't a possibility). For latter, note e.g. yellow on bill

Thanks, Saunder's is more likely as Little is Rare/Accidental. Checked Avibase and Common isn't uncommon, so think you're right thank you. As to the Crested, again you're right although I did photograph both greater and lesser.

 

[frogstar]

Unfortunately Roseate and Saunder's occur on Zanzibar

Thanks Tom, are you suggesting the middle one is Roseate?

 

[THE_FERN]

Thanks Tom, are you suggesting the middle one is Roseate?

think it looks dark for roseate, somewhat deep bill better for common.

 

[lou salomon]

Roseate would show broad white margins to inner webs of outer primaries, not present here. Thus, Common Tern.