Terns

[KevinA]

Some Terns from Aruba. I always find Terns difficult to ID. An example of this is the Roseate Tern, Sterna dougallii in the 1st and last images look completely different. This is due to differences in age or winter/breeding plumage. One consistent thing is the white edge on the primary flight feathers that can clearly be seen. The Common Tern, Sterna hirundo, which looks very similar, doesn't have this.

Cayenne Tern, Thalasseus acuflavidus eurygnathus and Roseate Tern, Sterna dougallii

Cayenne Tern, Thalasseus acuflavidus eurygnathus

Royal Tern, Thalasseus maximus

Common Tern, Sterna hirundo

Roseate Tern, Sterna dougallii

 

[AlanLichty]

Neat looking sea birds - I like the mullet look to their head plumage.

 

[JimFox]

What an interesting bird. I think the Royal Tern is my favorite. Lots of similarities between these Terns.