Large-billed Tern vs Great Crested Tern

The Large-billed Tern is distinctive with its large, heavy bill and striking wing pattern, while the Great Crested Tern has a more slender bill and lacks the bold wing contrast. Both species are found in South America, but the Large-billed Tern is more associated with inland waters, whereas the Great Crested Tern is coastal.

Look for the large, heavy bill of the Large-billed Tern and its striking wing pattern with black primaries and white secondaries. In contrast, the Great Crested Tern has a more slender bill and lacks the bold wing contrast. Consider habitat: inland for Large-billed Tern, coastal for Great Crested Tern.

The Large-billed Tern has black primaries, white secondaries, and a gray back, creating a striking wing pattern. The Great Crested Tern does not have this bold contrast in its wing pattern.

The Large-billed Tern is found along broad, inland rivers and lakes during the breeding season, while the Great Crested Tern is typically found in coastal regions.