Small Gull for ID please

[Trik]

This was a very small gull, probably a juvenile. It was considerably smaller than the Common Tern shown in the background, and had a more delicate build than the Black-headed Gulls. The wings were long and thin - like the Tern, in fact - but I don`t think it had a forked tail. I have trawled the internet for an ID, but nothing ordinary seems to match, so I hope someone here can help, please.

Many thanks
Trik

[Shrike]

i'll be the first to go for little gull due to the size and bill colour though im far from competent on immature gulls so will look forward to better confirmation later

[Jason Claxton]

Looks more like a Black Tern to me.

[wint]

Originally Posted by Jason Claxton

Looks more like a Black Tern to me.

And to me! A juvenile - and one more Black Tern than I've seen this year!

[Shrike]

or possibly a white winged black tern? it fits the description ive just read perfectly.but what do i know little gull haha

[htcdude]

Agree with Black Tern. And the one in the background is Giant Tern

Nige

[Jason Claxton]

Originally Posted by Shrike

or possibly a white winged black tern?

Hi Shrike

No not really, it is a Juvenile Black Tern,a White-winged BT wouldn't have that collar/breast patch.

Jason

[Trik]

Armed with the suggestions of Black Tern, I had another look online and was able to confirm it for myself, so very many thanks to all who responded. Never seen a Black Tern before! Pity it was too far away for a quality shot.

Trik

[Dogghound]

Yes Juvenile Black tern, white winged tern would lack the darker patch on the side of the neck and tend to show less white on the tips of the body feathers (scapulars, coverts etc). Common tern in the background.