Possible Arctic Tern

[imogen]

Taken on Foxton Beach yesterday afternoon (14th Nov). Looked different to the wfts but not quite right for a common tern.

Arctic Tern 14112018-1.jpg (197.16 KiB) Viewed 1020 times

Arctic Tern 14112018-3.jpg (174.11 KiB) Viewed 1020 times

[sav]

Hi Imogen,

Having taken a closer look, I don't think this can be an Arctic Tern. The white inner webs to the wings don't fit, and it's legs are short but I don't think short enough. Also the shape of the dark crown is different to any Arctic that I have seen, and the grey of the closed wings might be a shade or 2 too pale.

I wonder if this isn't just a White-fronted Tern (and maybe a small one?)

With all the uncommon terns it is really valuable to see the pattern of the underwing. And rump v back colours.

cheers

[Clinton9]

First summer White-fronted tern.

[imogen]

This has been accepted by ebird and the UBR committee as an arctic tern.

UBR record states:
The description is short on diagnostic comparison with (nearby) white‐fronted terns, although it does
mention the focal bird being smaller, shorter‐legged and having a finer bill. These are useful pointers for
Arctic tern, to which could be added the more rounded head and the pattern of white on the inner web
of the outer primaries, with no ‘hook‐back’ of black as evident on white‐fronted terns.

[tim]

Pretty sure this is not an arctic and it doesnt even fit to be an arctic with the other white fronteds next to it with size, feet, bill and head pattern. I agree its a first summer white fronted tern, the arctics i have seen are a lot greyer and its noticable compared to white fronteds around.

[RussCannings]

Hi Imogen,

I can't recall who reviewed this on ebird (might have been me!) but I have to agree that the bill seems wrong for Arctic for a start. Will look into it soon.

[Grahame]

Sorry Imogen, I have seen many Arctic Terns, and I'm afraid that it doesn't fit, so I have to go along with the White-fronted identification.
Grahame

[tim]

Yes but how did the UBR commitee come to the conclusion that it was Arctic when it clearly isnt in these photos.

[imogen]

All I know is that it looked different to the white fronted terns. I've only seen a couple of arctic tern so I couldn't say that it is one, that's why I referred it to ebird and the UBR committee after it was initially mooted on the Facebook page. The conversation is good though, learning all the time.