Elegant Tern vs West African Crested Tern
Thalasseus elegans versus Thalasseus albididorsalis
Play a quiz with Elegant Tern and West African Crested Tern
Elegant Tern
West African Crested Tern
In short
The Elegant Tern and West African Crested Tern can be distinguished by their bill color and plumage. The Elegant Tern has a distinctive long, shaggy crest and a pink flush on its belly, while the West African Crested Tern has a paler and shallower bill and is overall paler in plumage.
Identification tips
Look for the long, shaggy crest and pink flush on the belly of the Elegant Tern. The West African Crested Tern is paler overall and has a paler, shallower bill.
Plumage
Elegant Tern has a long, shaggy crest and a pink flush on its belly feathers. West African Crested Tern is overall paler and has a paler, shallower bill.