Unknown Tern, Hainan, China (1 Viewer)

[Hainan on the fly]

I'm assuming this is a tern but don't have any experience with these birds. Not sure that the pictures are good enough for an ID but any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Brian

 

[PedroNicolau]

It's a Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida)

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

I agree with Pedro, plese note:
the right head pattern with dark patch centered to the rear head, reaching far down the neck and lacking a white sourrunding to the eye. More, dark area at crown is extensive and washed out.
These features together produce a Whiskered Tern head pattern, and the large stot bill, the really dark grey tail and dark uppertailcoverts leaving just a small whitish rump patch confirms identification and excludes most similar White-winged Tern IMO.

Remaining juvenile feathers on upperparts are also good for a Marsh Tern, but I couldnt exclude WWT on this feature.

 

[Hainan on the fly]

It's a Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida)

Cheers!

 

[Hainan on the fly]

I agree with Pedro, plese note:
the right head pattern with dark patch centered to the rear head, reaching far down the neck and lacking a white sourrunding to the eye. More, dark area at crown is extensive and washed out.
These features together produce a Whiskered Tern head pattern, and the large stot bill, the really dark grey tail and dark uppertailcoverts leaving just a small whitish rump patch confirms identification and excludes most similar White-winged Tern IMO.

Remaining juvenile feathers on upperparts are also good for a Marsh Tern, but I couldnt exclude WWT on this feature.

Excellent! Thanks Alexander. This detailed description is very helpful.


Brian