Breeding adult © Albin Jacob eBird S41667735 Macaulay Library ML 80781271
Breeding adult © Shailesh Pinto
Nonbreeding adult/immature © Vyom Vyas
Breeding adult © Gopakumar VR
Breeding adult © Gavin Emmons
+ 3
Breeding and nonbreeding © Sanjay Malik
Breeding adult © Shailesh Pinto

River Tern Sterna aurantia

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Widespread inland tern of South and mainland Southeast Asia. Breeding adults have full black cap and pale gray wings; white belly, larger size, and heavier structure distinguishes this species from the less common Black-bellied Tern where their breeding ranges overlap. Non-breeding adult has patchy black on the head instead of a full cap, and juvenile has mottled brownish-gray back with a partial black “mask”. Favors freshwater sites, breeding on sandy islands. Gives a grating “kYYEER” note.

POWERED BY MERLIN