Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)

This is a continuation from my earlier audacious attempt to show the photos of the four most commonly seen terns in Peninsular Malaysia. This time it will be "Whiskered Tern" (C.h hybridus). Said to be one of the largest marsh tern measuring approximately between 25 - 29 cm (10in - 12in). Also known as river terns in some books.

At a certain angle you may think that it could be a common tern. However the bill of a Whiskered Tern was reportedly to be a bit shorter and stubbier. 

It has a black patch and a scally/streaked cap at its hind crown as compared to a common tern. Looks like it also has shorter and broader wings. Its body length also looks a fraction less than a common tern.

The bird above had just undergone molting - probably into its first winter plumage. This is the only tern i think which has black smudges on its body. 

You can see that its tail is rather short and less forked as compared to the Common Terns.

Like all terns it would constantly look down to the waters for food. However it was reported that this tern does not do plunge diving but instead it would prefer to pick its food from the surface of the water.

Now you would know why this tern was also called a river tern. I have observed that there were other terns which would also "scout" for food along the river for example the white-winged and little terns. They however do not travel further up river as the whiskered terns. (more observations are required to confirm this statement).

Occasionally you do find them resting in the sea or on mudflats.

Dive bombing for fish?

You can see the slightly notched tail and a greyish rump.

Here are more recent photos - Feb 2015 below:

Check out its 'balding' head like pattern in the above photos. A common feature of a Whiskered Tern.

IUCN status: "least concern" and its population was reported to be "stable" as of now.

Enjoy Watching Your Terns!

Common Tern (Sterna longipennis)

This is an attempt (from a lay-person perspective) to show the photos of some of the more "commonly" found terns which can be seen in Peninsular Malaysia in their non-breeding or wintering colors. During such time, different hues of colors/patterns on their body, wings, head etc can be seen in contrast to their breeding or summer plumages. Just like waders these differences might make an interesting subject to some birders while to others it can be a burden especially to beginners and amateurs like myself. So, hopefully the photos depicted here can be used as a general reference or guide of some kind to those in need. The terns which will be featured are the "Common Tern", "Whiskered Tern", "White-Winged Tern" and "Little Tern". All the four terns are said to be common migrants/winter visitors to this region with just a handful of them establishing some small non-breeding colonies. 

I will start with the "Common Tern" (Sterna longipennis) here.

I love this photo as it shows the elegant movement of its wings which also described the flight of this tern.

From the above photos you can see that it has a long, thin and pointed bill which is slightly decurved. Its tail is white with black outer edges on its sixth (p6) rectrices. The longer p6 rectrices are said to provide more stability and control during flight. Its leg is reddish brown and its forehead is white. Body colors looks snowy white while its wings are long and pointed. Rump looks like pale grey/white while upper-part is greyish.

At times you may also come across this tern "floating" in the sea.

It will rest on anything which floats in the sea including sandals which can be seen from the above photo. You can also clearly see its dark carpal bars.

Sometimes they do also rest on other structures.

Looks at its red legs !

Common Terns are reported to dive for fish (plunge diving) unlike Whiskered and White-Winged Terns which pick up food from the surface of the water.

And their success rate i must say were very good.

They would swallow the entire fish in flight and it was certainly an amazing feat considering that they have done it while the fish was still wiggling in flight. I have also noticed that they do take a drink from the sea.  

You can also see how agile they are during flight as depicted by their many maneuvers and styles. 

At times they do approach you quite close.

Look at its sharp beaks

A close up photo

Look how well its legs were tug inside.

I really enjoyed photographing this tern which was also described as "Sea-Swallow" by some books. IUCN status "Least Concern" but their population was reported be in declined.

That's all folks !! Thank you for going thru "my" photos!