Common Tern vs Red-throated Diver

In short

The Common Tern and Red-throated Diver are distinct in both appearance and habitat. The Common Tern is a slender, agile seabird often seen in coastal areas, while the Red-throated Diver is a larger, more robust bird found in arctic and boreal lakes.

Identification tips

1. Location: Common Terns are more likely in coastal areas, while Red-throated Divers are found in arctic and boreal lakes. 2. Size and Shape: Look for the smaller, more agile Common Tern with a forked tail versus the larger, heavier Red-throated Diver. 3. Plumage: Note the black cap and white body of the Common Tern compared to the gray body and red throat patch of the Red-throated Diver. 4. Behavior: Observe the flight style; Common Terns hover and dive, while Red-throated Divers fly between feeding and breeding sites.

Size

The Common Tern is smaller and more slender compared to the larger, bulkier Red-throated Diver.

Plumage

Common Terns have a sleek, white body with a black cap and a deeply forked tail. In contrast, Red-throated Divers have a gray body with a distinctive red throat patch during breeding season and lack the forked tail.

Behaviour

Common Terns are known for their graceful flight and are often seen hovering over water before diving for fish. Red-throated Divers, however, are central-place foragers, flying between breeding and foraging areas.

Habitat

Common Terns are typically found in coastal regions and islands, while Red-throated Divers breed in small arctic and boreal lakes and winter along coastlines.

Voice

Common Terns have a sharp, distinctive call, whereas Red-throated Divers produce a more cacophonous call during breeding.