Sandwich Tern vs Lesser Crested Tern

The Sandwich Tern and Lesser Crested Tern are similar in appearance but can be distinguished by their bill color and head markings. The Sandwich Tern typically has a black bill with a yellow tip, whereas the Lesser Crested Tern has an orange bill. Both species have similar body structures, but the head patterns and vocalizations can aid in identification.

1. Bill Color: Look for the black bill with a yellow tip in Sandwich Terns, compared to the orange bill of Lesser Crested Terns. 2. Head Pattern: Note the shaggy black crest of the Sandwich Tern versus the smoother black cap of the Lesser Crested Tern. 3. Location: Consider the geographic range; Lesser Crested Terns are not found in the New World. 4. Association: Sandwich Terns often nest with Royal Terns, which can be a clue to their identity.

Both species are similar in size, with slender bodies and long wings typical of terns.

The Sandwich Tern has a black cap with a shaggy crest and a white forehead in breeding plumage, while the Lesser Crested Tern has a more uniform black cap without a distinct crest. The body plumage is similar, with pale gray upperparts and white underparts.

Both species exhibit typical tern behavior, including plunge-diving for fish. They often nest in colonies with other tern species.

Sandwich Terns are found in both the Old and New Worlds, often nesting with Royal Terns and other seabirds. Lesser Crested Terns are primarily found in the Old World, often in coastal and island habitats.

Vocalizations are not well-documented for field differentiation, but both species have typical tern calls. Specific differences in calls are not highlighted in the sources.