Saunders's Tern

Sterna saundersi

South Isl, Cocos Isls IMG_9485 20190210 - breeding plumage

Notes: Adult in breeding plumage has dark brown legs (not orange/yellow); is slightly smaller;
w. heavier bill than Little Tern. Black outer three primaries. White forehead & supercilium does
not extend over the eyes. Non-breeding plumage: bill & legs black, upperparts perhaps more
contrasted than LT. Breeds NW coasts of Indian Ocean ~May–Jul.

Range from Pizzey & Knight^© (modified)

South Isl, Cocos Isls IMG_9476 20190210 - breeding plumage South Isl, Cocos Isls IMG_9477 20190210 - non-breeding plumage South Isl, Cocos Isls IMG_9499 20190210 - breeding & non-breeding plumages South Isl, Cocos Isls IMG_9503 20190210 - non-breeding plumage South Isl, Cocos Isls IMG_9472 20160709 - breeding plumages South Isl, Cocos Isls IMG_9482 20190210 - Little & Saunders's non-breeding plumage

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