Whiskered Tern vs Black Tern

The Whiskered Tern and Black Tern are both medium-small terns with similar habitats and behaviors, but can be distinguished by plumage and vocalizations. The Whiskered Tern has a darker belly and shorter tail, while the Black Tern is more uniformly dark in breeding plumage. Both species forage over water, but the Whiskered Tern has a harsher call.

Breeding plumage: Look for the Whiskered Tern's black cap with white cheeks and darker grey underparts. The Black Tern will be uniformly dark. Non-breeding plumage: The Whiskered Tern becomes very pale with a dark-flecked crown, while the Black Tern remains more uniformly dark. Call: Listen for the Whiskered Tern's harsher calls. Flight pattern: Note the Black Tern's buoyant, swallow-like flight.

Both species are similar in size, with the Whiskered Tern having a wingspan of 64–70 cm and the Black Tern being comparable.

In breeding plumage, the Whiskered Tern has a black cap extending to the nape with contrasting white cheeks and darker grey underparts. The Black Tern is uniformly dark with a black head and body. In non-breeding plumage, the Whiskered Tern becomes very pale with a dark-flecked crown, while the Black Tern retains a more uniform dark appearance.

Both species forage by flying over water, but the Whiskered Tern often engages in aerial-dipping, while the Black Tern is noted for its buoyant, swallow-like flight and often forages in flocks.

Both species nest in freshwater wetlands, with the Black Tern often nesting semicolonially amidst emergent vegetation. The Whiskered Tern also frequents similar habitats but is more widespread in its range.

The Whiskered Tern has a harsher call, described as a rasping 'kyick' or 'cherk', while the Black Tern's vocalizations are less documented but generally softer.