Whiskered Tern

The whiskered tern is the largest of the marsh terns. Its size, black cap, strong bill and more positive flight recall the common or Arctic tern, but the short, forked-looking tail and dark grey breeding plumage are typical of marsh terns. The summer adult has white cheeks and a red bill and legs (Wikipedia, general species account).

It breeds in colonies on inland marshes, sometimes among black-headed gulls, which offer some protection. Tropical forms are resident, and European and Asian birds winter south to Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Geographic races differ mainly in size and minor plumage details.