Uccelli simili a Common Tern

Key differences

The Arctic Tern has a shorter neck, longer tail streamers, and a completely red bill (lacking the black tip of the Common Tern in breeding plumage). Its flight is often described as more buoyant and 'lighter'. The trailing edge of the primary flight feathers is less distinctly dark than in the Common Tern. Calls are also distinct: Arctic Tern's 'kee-yah' is often harsher and more drawn out.

Key differences

The Roseate Tern is paler overall, with a longer, thinner black bill (often with a red base in breeding plumage, but never a full red bill with black tip like Common Tern). It has very long tail streamers, extending well beyond the wingtips at rest. The underparts can show a faint pinkish flush in breeding plumage. Its call is a distinctive 'chiv-ik'.

Key differences

Primarily a North American species. In breeding plumage, Forster's Tern has a more extensive black cap that extends further down the nape, and its bill is orange with a black tip. The most reliable field mark is the white primary flight feathers on the upperwing, which contrast with the grey mantle, giving a 'white wedge' appearance, unlike the Common Tern's darker primaries. Its call is a nasal 'zraaa'.