7 replies to this topic

[Takuya]

Hello. I saw this tern at Monterey Bay when I joined a whale watching tour. It was like 3 miles away from the coast.
Is this a Royal?


June.25.2012 @Monterey Bay/Monterey/CA/USA

Thank you.

[SuzanneO]

Hellow Takuya,
Looks like a Capsian. The underwing shows dark primaries and at this time of year, a Royal would show a white forehead.
Sue

[Takuya]

Thank you Suzanne. I didn't know about Royal's head condition. Now I got it.

[Dustie]

Nice Shot!

[gfabbri]

I believe that the mammoth bill is also diagnostic of Caspian, but I'm a noob, so take it FWIW.

-G

[Liam]

I agree with Caspian Tern. Royal can show a dark red bill, but not so dark red as this. Plus, I think I'm seeing a dusky tip on the bill.

[Takuya]

Thank you for the ID knowledge. I really like to learn birds from this site

[birdbrain22]

Absoulte Caspian Tern.. that bill says it all.