ML334941991

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

I initially spotted this bird from east sentinel and called Randy (who was at north sentinel to have him get on the bird). This tern strongly stood out from the flock of forsters as having a very dark gray back and body with more extensive dark cap and little to no white in nape. Gray body seemed darker than expected for common. Wing tips crossed over mid section of tail with tail being longer than wings. Appeared to be in breeding plumage. Uniform dark bill (seemingly red), red legs noticeably darker and shorter than forsters. Complete black cap more extensive and slightly different in shape than foresters. Primaries pale with only some thin dark along the tips when flying. Randy S and I spent an extensive period of time observing this bird and discussing the ID. Only alternative would be common tern but the various structural and plumage characteristics do not seem to support that ID. Randy has photos/video. Also observed by Randy’s wife and Cody D. (Added “proof of life” photo from Randy S.)

Technical information

Dimensions

1080 pixels x 1920 pixels

Original file size

108.96 KB