Greater Crested Tern vs Royal 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

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

Large415 gMarine

This is a large tern, second only to the Caspian tern among terns in the Americas, but is unlikely to be confused with this "carrot-billed" giant, which has extensive dark underwing patches. Adults have an average wingspan of 130 cm (51 in) for both sexes, with a range from 125–135 cm (49–53 in). Its bill-to-tail length ranges from 45–50 cm (18–20 in) and the weight is anywhere from 350–500 g (12–18 oz). The Old World West African crested tern T. albididorsalis and greater crested tern T.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Korall · CC BY 3.0

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