Lesser Crested Tern vs White-tailed Tropicbird

The Lesser Crested Tern and the White-tailed Tropicbird are distinct in both appearance and behavior. The tern is a coastal bird with a slender body and a striking black cap, while the tropicbird is a pelagic species with long tail streamers and a mostly white plumage.

Look for the black cap and orange bill of the Lesser Crested Tern, especially in coastal areas. For the White-tailed Tropicbird, note the long tail streamers and mostly white plumage when seen over open ocean. Behaviorally, observe the tern's flocking and coastal diving versus the tropicbird's solitary, pelagic flight.

The White-tailed Tropicbird is generally larger with a wingspan of about 95 cm, compared to the Lesser Crested Tern's wingspan of approximately 80 cm.

Lesser Crested Terns have a black cap and a pale grey body with a white underside, while White-tailed Tropicbirds are predominantly white with black markings on the wings and a distinctive long, white tail streamer.

Lesser Crested Terns are often seen in coastal areas, flying in flocks, and diving for fish. White-tailed Tropicbirds are more solitary, often seen flying over open ocean, and are known for their graceful flight and plunge-diving for squid and flying fish.

Lesser Crested Terns are typically found along coastlines and estuaries, whereas White-tailed Tropicbirds are pelagic, rarely seen near land except during breeding.

Lesser Crested Terns have a harsh, grating call, while White-tailed Tropicbirds are mostly silent at sea, with occasional high-pitched whistles near breeding sites.