White-winged Black Tern vs Arctic Tern

The White-winged Black Tern and Arctic Tern can be distinguished by their wing patterns and tail shapes. The White-winged Black Tern has distinctive white wings and a shorter tail, while the Arctic Tern has a long, deeply forked tail and lacks the white wing patches.

1. Wing pattern: Look for white wing patches on White-winged Black Terns, absent in Arctic Terns. 2. Tail shape: Arctic Terns have a long, deeply forked tail, while White-winged Black Terns have a shorter tail. 3. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Arctic Terns are more coastal, while White-winged Black Terns are often inland. 4. Behavior: Note foraging style; Arctic Terns hover and dive, while White-winged Black Terns forage over wetlands. 5. Vocalization: Listen for the sharp calls of the Arctic Tern compared to the softer calls of the White-winged Black Tern.

Both species are similar in size, but the Arctic Tern appears more slender with longer wings and tail.

In breeding plumage, the White-winged Black Tern features striking white wings and a black head and body. The Arctic Tern has a uniformly grey body with a black cap and lacks the white wing patches. Non-breeding White-winged Black Terns have a more mottled appearance compared to the cleaner grey of the Arctic Tern.

Both species are agile fliers, but the Arctic Tern is known for its long migratory flights, often seen hovering and diving for fish. The White-winged Black Tern is more likely to be seen foraging over freshwater habitats.

White-winged Black Terns are typically found over freshwater wetlands during breeding, while Arctic Terns prefer coastal and marine environments, especially during migration.

Arctic Terns have a sharp, high-pitched call, often described as 'kee-arr'. White-winged Black Terns have a softer, more chattering call.