ML64106471

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

wrestled with this ID; after looking at so many Black Terns these 2 were notably bigger; Foraging high over the sandhill marsh (Hammond's) , then along the Western shore of Mess., paralleling the RR tracks until out of sight; silent, unfortunately. Note underwing pigment pattern; obviously orange-red bill; almost purely white upper wings; black "cap" with undulating lower margin, blank (white) hind-neck/nape; relatively wide wings (cf: narrow wings in most Sterna spp.); By habitat, 4 species most likely: Common, Forster's, Caspian, Black. Although my gestalt first impression was Caspian, photos suggest otherwise. Especially the underwing pattern - not smudgy,dusky tips - instead, black panel on trailing edge of outer primaries; also bill not red enuf; or obviously huge. Perhaps my photos do not allow for definitive ID. I initially judged these to be Forster's Terns; over-ruled by reviewer. I can't be confident that these are Common Terns, so am entering them at the lowest taxonomic level I'm comfortable with. Surprisingly, there are no past records of Forster's Tern at Messalonskee, and only 2 solo Common Terns reported from here. Seems strange.

Technical information

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