Which tern? Salalah, Oman (1 Viewer)

[BirdingRob]

Dear all,

I struggle with terns in certain plumages especially on these sand bars in Oman which separate the freshwater khawrs (lagoons) from the sea. So marsh terns, common tern and sea loving terns can all be seen on them. I cant narrow down much by habitat!

So which is this one.

All help gratefully received.

Rob

 

[Nutcracker]

Given that they're smaller than those Ruff, they have to be either Chlidonias or Sternula. Without much experience of winter terns, I'll pass up beyond that.

 

[KenM]

I think the bill length (not short) in image 1...might suggest Black Tern over the other candidates, and the dark ear spots/pale heads in image 2...might conform with White-Winged Terns?

Cheers

 

[phil baber]

White-Winged Black Terns. ( Apparently called "White-winged" Terns these days! )
And some nice Juv Ruff...

 

[lupokatja]

White-cheeked Tern for the first maybe?

Lützen Portengen

 

[andreas bruun kristensen]

The first photo also shows a White-winged Black Tern because of short narrow bill and quite long legs. Black tern excluded because of no dark patch on breast side.

Best regards
Andreas

 

[Nutcracker]

( Apparently called "White-winged" Terns these days! )

One of the more sensible name adjustments :t:

 

[BirdingRob]

Thanks to all. I am very comfortable with white winged (black) tern being the IDs.

Rob