Bridled Tern

Identification

Field notes

35 cm (14") Occasional, especially after hurricanes. Similar to Sooty Tern but has gray or brownish back with a pale collar ring. Also white forehead patch extends beyond the eye.

Details in the field

Photo gallery

1 photo

Credit: Tom Tarrant

Bird Advisor Identification rules 1 variant · 1 rule

These are the observation paths the Bird Advisor can use to identify this species. Each rule is an alternative match.

Bridled Tern

1 rule

Rule 1 13 criteria · confidence 1 +

What colour were the LEGS or FEET ?

Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Gray, or blue-gray · Black, purple, or dark · Unknown

What SHAPE was the TAIL ?

Forked · Unknown

What colour was the BACK ?

Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Gray, or blue-gray · Unknown

What colour was the BREAST ?

White, or pale (grayish-white) · Unknown

What colour was the THROAT ?

White, or pale (grayish-white) · Unknown

What colour was the BILL ?

Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Gray, or blue-gray · Black, purple, or dark · Unknown

What SHAPE was the BILL ?

Straight and thick · Unknown

What LENGTH was the BILL ?

Short · Medium · Long · Unknown

What colour were the EYES ?

Brown or blackish brown · Black or dark gray · Unknown

What colour was the TOP of HEAD ?

White, or pale (grayish-white) · Black, purple, or dark · Unknown

How BIG was the bird ?

Pigeon-sized · Crow-sized

What TYPE of bird was seen ?

Gull-like, or a Seabird

WHERE was the bird seen ?

Northeastern Canada or United States · Southeastern United States