Caspian Tern / Common tern? (1 Viewer)

[The Lion Cub]

This picture was taken this summer at my friend's canal... does the black wings mean it's a Casipan? Or just a Common? Thanks!!!SE Michigan, USA

 

[redeyedvideo]

With a bill that size it can only be a Caspian!

 

[The Lion Cub]

HOLY COW that was a fast reply!!!

Whoooopeee, this is a first for the town for me, and I only realized it 5 months later!!!

 

[njlarsen]

I agree

Niels

 

[Cheshire Birder]

Agree with Caspian Tern. The bill size is a giveaway.

CB

 

[Microtus]

Yes, Caspian Tern. Nice record for your town.

 

[UtahnBirder]

Agreed on Caspian. The black cap doesn't seen to slant up as much as the common, and the black tip on the beak is nearly invisible.

 

[redeyedvideo]

HOLY COW that was a fast reply!!!

Whoooopeee, this is a first for the town for me, and I only realized it 5 months later!!!

Congrats, I thought I may have jumped in too fast without considering Royal Tern but it appears my initial impression was the right one. :t:

 

[Lappkrabben]

The short tail and the outer part of the wing is black in other way than on common tern (shows better if you lighten up the photo) and the belly gives a bulky impression. Caspian like said before.

 

[The Lion Cub]

Thanks!!!

 

[Microtus]

It's not a Royal Tern, which is extremely rare near Michigan.

 

[Gavin Bieber]

A great fieldmark for Caspian Tern is the extensive amount of black shown on the underwing. THis is nicely illustrated in your photo.

 

[The Lion Cub]

Thanks guys and a first in a photograph for me as well!