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Whiskered Tern vs Sandwich Tern

Chlidonias hybrida versus Thalasseus sandvicensis

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Play a quiz with Whiskered Tern and Sandwich Tern

Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) Whiskered Tern
Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) Sandwich Tern

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In short

The Whiskered Tern and Sandwich Tern are both medium-sized terns but differ notably in bill color and tail shape. The Whiskered Tern has a dark reddish bill and a short, slightly forked tail, while the Sandwich Tern features a black bill with a yellow tip and a longer, deeply forked tail. These differences are most apparent during the breeding season.

Identification tips

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Sandwich Tern typically appears slightly larger due to its longer tail and wingspan.

Plumage

In breeding plumage, the Whiskered Tern has a black cap extending to the nape with contrasting white cheeks and mid-grey upperparts. The Sandwich Tern has a black cap with a shaggy crest and white underparts. Non-breeding Whiskered Terns are very pale with a dark-flecked crown, while Sandwich Terns maintain a more consistent plumage with a distinctive black bill with a yellow tip.

Behaviour

Whiskered Terns often flutter and dip over water to catch prey, while Sandwich Terns are more likely to be seen plunge-diving for fish. Sandwich Terns also nest in dense colonies, often with other tern species.

Habitat

Whiskered Terns are typically found in freshwater wetlands, while Sandwich Terns prefer coastal areas and are often seen in colonies on sandy beaches or islands.

Voice

Whiskered Terns have a harsh, rasping call described as 'kyick' or 'cherk', whereas Sandwich Terns have a more nasal 'kirrick' call.

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The Whiskered Tern and Sandwich Tern are both medium-sized terns but differ notably in bill color and tail shape. The Whiskered Tern has a dark reddish bill and a short, slightly forked tail, while the Sandwich Tern features a black bill with a yellow tip and a longer, deeply forked tail. These differences are most apparent during the breeding season.

  • Bill color: Whiskered Tern has a dark reddish bill; Sandwich Tern has a black bill with a yellow tip.
  • Tail shape: Whiskered Tern has a short, slightly forked tail; Sandwich Tern has a longer, deeply forked tail.
  • Breeding plumage: Whiskered Tern has a black cap extending to the nape with white cheeks; Sandwich Tern has a black cap with a shaggy crest.
  • Vocalization: Listen for the harsh 'kyick' of the Whiskered Tern versus the nasal 'kirrick' of the Sandwich Tern.
  • Habitat: Look for Whiskered Terns in freshwater wetlands and Sandwich Terns in coastal areas.

Both species are similar in size, but the Sandwich Tern typically appears slightly larger due to its longer tail and wingspan.

In breeding plumage, the Whiskered Tern has a black cap extending to the nape with contrasting white cheeks and mid-grey upperparts. The Sandwich Tern has a black cap with a shaggy crest and white underparts. Non-breeding Whiskered Terns are very pale with a dark-flecked crown, while Sandwich Terns maintain a more consistent plumage with a distinctive black bill with a yellow tip.

Whiskered Terns often flutter and dip over water to catch prey, while Sandwich Terns are more likely to be seen plunge-diving for fish. Sandwich Terns also nest in dense colonies, often with other tern species.

Whiskered Terns are typically found in freshwater wetlands, while Sandwich Terns prefer coastal areas and are often seen in colonies on sandy beaches or islands.

Whiskered Terns have a harsh, rasping call described as 'kyick' or 'cherk', whereas Sandwich Terns have a more nasal 'kirrick' call.

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Whiskered Tern · Sandwich Tern · My Tricky Birds