Possible Common Tern at Kowhai River Mouth

[AlanShaw]

I videoed the roosting White-fronted Tern flock at the Kowhai River Mouth at 2.15 PM today (18/02/2025). When back home I viewed the footage on my computer and spotted what I think is a Common Tern. As I am not familiar with this eastern race I would welcome any confirmation, or otherwise. [img]

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[Oscar Thomas]

Hi Alan, not sure which bird you are referring to, they all look good for WFT to me.

[AlanShaw]

Hi Oscar, the bird I am referring to is in the centre at the back facing left. Looks smaller, with shorter, thinner bill and with dark bar on wing coverts. Black crown patch extends down behind eye.

[flossiepip]

The Common Terns that I see now are looking very neat and tidy as their molt bottoms out, White fronted Terns are at various stages of molt and are generally looking far more untidy!