White-winged Black Tern vs Forster's Tern

The White-winged Black Tern and Forster's Tern can be distinguished by their plumage and habitat preferences. The White-winged Black Tern is more commonly found in Europe and Asia, while Forster's Tern is primarily a North American species.

Look for the black head and body with white wings in breeding White-winged Black Terns, compared to the black cap and white body of Forster's Tern. In non-breeding plumage, note the black eye patch on Forster's Tern. Consider the habitat: Forster's Terns are more likely in North American marshes, while White-winged Black Terns are found in European and Asian wetlands.

Both species are similar in size, but Forster's Tern may appear slightly larger due to its longer tail and wings.

In breeding plumage, the White-winged Black Tern has a striking black head and body with white wings, while Forster's Tern has a black cap, white body, and pale gray wings. In non-breeding plumage, Forster's Tern retains a black eye patch, whereas the White-winged Black Tern becomes more uniformly gray and white.

Both species exhibit similar foraging behaviors, often seen hovering and diving for fish. However, Forster's Tern is more likely to be seen in marshes.

White-winged Black Terns are often found in freshwater wetlands and marshes in Europe and Asia, while Forster's Terns prefer marshes and coastal areas in North America.

Forster's Tern has a distinctive harsh call, while the White-winged Black Tern's call is softer and less harsh.