Help ID this Tern please

The Fox · #1 (**permalink**) 15-09-2011, 04:04 PM

Hi all, could someone please help identify this tern. These pictures were taken yesterday evening in Westbay at the end of the harbour entrance (right hand wall/breaker). It seems to be very tired, which was why it remained still while I took these pictures. The white patch in front of the black cap and the black beak have thrown up various possibilities, also is it a juvenile bird? Please help so I can post a larger better quality image in the Gallery.

nikolai_avenger · #2 (**permalink**) 15-09-2011, 04:20 PM

I'll stick my neck out here and say that it looks a youthful common tern, Sterna hirundo.

Cheers. Nik.

solus · #3 (**permalink**) 15-09-2011, 05:43 PM

I am probably wrong but looking at those very short legs and the primary feathers in the wingtip I'd go for Arctic Tern.... Definitely a juvenile though.

Someone will be along to correct me very soon!

htcdude · #4 (**permalink**) 15-09-2011, 06:12 PM

I'm not certain as usual but I will say Arctic for the same reasons as solus

Look at those teeny weeny legs too!

Nige

RoyW · #5 (**permalink**) 15-09-2011, 06:41 PM

It is a young Arctic Tern.

The Fox · #6 (**permalink**) 16-09-2011, 10:29 PM

Many thanks to you all ID'ing this bird, you confirmed what was the more likely of the choices. I have have now uploaded the full size pic to the Gallery (link below).

Many thanks again,

Neil