Tern from Poland - Whiskered or Common? (1 Viewer)

[JayFeatherPL]

Hello,
I've found two images of this tern on some Facebook group on the Internet (screenshot of the author uploaded). It was identified as Whiskered Tern, but I disagree with that ID. I can see as many as 3 features matching Common Tern and NOT Whiskered.
1. The bird has a black wingbar, which is typical of Common Tern and it's absent in Whiskered Terns.
2. The bill is long and massive like in no Whiskered Tern.
3. There's no dense black spot on the ear like i Whiskered Tern. Rather, there's a black cap typical of Common Tern in winter/juv. plumage.

What do you think about this bird? If I am wrong, please tell me if the features are listed can also be present in Whiskered Tern and if so, how to tell it apart from Common Tern.

 

[D Halas]

I can't help with the ID, but I want to point out that the English name of Sterna hirundo (rybitwa rzeczna in Polish, or "river tern") is Common Tern. The bird known as River Tern in English is Sterna aurantia.

 

[JayFeatherPL]

I can't help with the ID, but I want to point out that the English name of Sterna hirundo (rybitwa rzeczna in Polish, or "river tern") is Common Tern. The bird known as River Tern in English is Sterna aurantia.

Sorry! My fault. Edited it. I knew something was wrong with this name! Thanks for reminding.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

Whiskered Tern is correct imo. Please note

• much too coarse/strong juvenile markings in the tertials for many Common Terns
• head pattern is better for a Marsh Tern. A Common Tern should have a more uniform dark head/cap with only the front paler or it should be centered like an oval ear-patch
• large eye adds to a Marsh Tern vibe imo.

 

[JayFeatherPL]

Hello,

Whiskered Tern is correct imo. Please note

• much too coarse/strong juvenile markings in the tertials for many Common Terns
• head pattern is better for a Marsh Tern. A Common Tern should have a more uniform dark head/cap with only the front paler or it should be centered like an oval ear-patch
• large eye adds to a Marsh Tern vibe imo.

Thanks. So Whiskered Terns actually can have black wingbars, is that so? Well, that messes it up a little bit...