Lesser Crested Tern vs West African Crested Tern

In short

The Lesser Crested Tern and West African Crested Tern are closely related, with subtle differences in bill color and plumage. The Lesser Crested Tern typically has a more vibrant orange bill, while the West African Crested Tern's bill is paler. Both species are similar in size and structure, making these color differences crucial for identification.

Identification tips

• Bill color: Look for a vibrant orange bill in the Lesser Crested Tern versus a paler bill in the West African Crested Tern.
• Plumage tone: The West African Crested Tern tends to be paler overall.
• Location: Consider geographic range, as the West African Crested Tern is more localized to West Africa.

Size

Both species are similar in size, falling within the typical range for medium-sized terns.

Plumage

The Lesser Crested Tern has a more vibrant orange bill compared to the paler bill of the West African Crested Tern. The West African Crested Tern is generally paler in overall plumage.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar behaviors typical of terns, such as diving for fish and nesting in colonies.

Habitat

Both species are found in coastal regions, often near sandy beaches and estuaries. The West African Crested Tern is more localized to the West African coast.

Voice

Vocalizations are not well-documented for differentiation, and both species likely have similar calls typical of crested terns.