cywong

Are these Bridled Terns?

They looked different from the Bridled Terns that we are familiar with. Black cap not obvious, mantle as dark as upperwing.

Southern waters of Hong Kong, 28/09/08

HFCheung

They look like Bridled Tern to me.  Any brownish tint on the top points to Bridled.  I can see brownish tint on these photos.  Unfortunately the forehead cannot be seen clearly.

HF Cheung

cywong

Many thanks again.

lmichael

I'm not certain, but I don't think that there is any plumage of Bridled Tern which would look so dusky below. In particular, the chin appears dark. I take Ho Fai's point about overall upperpart tones but what about late first summer plumage Sooty Tern? Harrison (Seabirds) description of this plumage would match these birds.

So, I tend towards Sooty Tern - can I urge you to submit this record (Sooty Tern is a rarity) for consideration.

Mike Leven

cywong

Thank you very much for sharing your opinion.

I will try to submit this record for consideration although I am not familiar with the procedure of submitting bird records.

Cherry