Greater Crested Tern vs Lesser Crested Tern

Greater Crested Tern

Thalasseus bergii

Large328 gCoastal

The greater crested tern is a large tern with a long (5.4–6.5 cm or 2.1–2.6 in) yellow bill, black legs, and a glossy black crest that is noticeably shaggy at its rear. The breeding adult of the nominate subspecies T. b. bergii is 46–49 cm (18–19.5 in) long, with a 125–130 cm (49–51 in) wing-span; weight 325–397 grams (11.5–14.0 oz). The forehead and the underparts are white, the back and inner wings are dusky-grey. In winter, the upperparts plumage wears to a paler grey, and the crown of the head becomes white, merging at the rear into a peppered black crest and mask.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Manoj Karingamadathil · Flight call · Mappila Bay, India · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: mattf1996 · CC BY 4.0

Lesser Crested Tern

Thalasseus bengalensis

Medium209 gCoastal

This is a medium-large tern, 35–43 cm long and with a 88–105 cm wingspan; its weight ranges from 185–242 g. It is very similar in size and general appearance to its three very close relatives Sandwich tern, Elegant tern and Chinese crested tern. The summer adult has a black cap, black legs and a long sharp orange bill. The upperwings, rump and central tail feathers are grey and the underparts white. The primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the forehead becomes white. The call is a loud grating noise like Sandwich tern.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: mourad-harzallah · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Greater Crested Tern and Lesser Crested Tern.