Bridled Tern vs Little Tern

In short

The Bridled Tern and the Little Tern can be distinguished by their size and plumage. The Bridled Tern is larger with a distinctive white forehead and dark upperparts, while the Little Tern is smaller with a more contrasting black cap and white body.

Identification tips

1. Size: Bridled Tern is larger. 2. Forehead and Cap: Bridled Tern has a white forehead; Little Tern has a black cap. 3. Bill Color: Little Tern has a yellow bill. 4. Behavior: Bridled Tern less likely to be in large flocks. 5. Habitat: Bridled Tern more marine, Little Tern more coastal.

Size

The Bridled Tern is noticeably larger than the Little Tern.

Plumage

The Bridled Tern has a white forehead and dark gray upperparts with a subtle white edge to the wings, whereas the Little Tern has a more contrasting black cap and white body with a yellow bill.

Behaviour

Bridled Terns are often seen near land and do not typically feed in large flocks, unlike Little Terns which are more likely to be seen in flocks.

Habitat

Bridled Terns are marine and often found near tropical and subtropical coastlines, while Little Terns are more commonly found in coastal and estuarine environments.