Whiskered Tern

Chlidonias hybridus 23-25cm

Meesai Aalaa in Tamil

(மீசை ஆலா)

Widespread in winter. In breeding plumage, white cheeks contrast with black cap and grey underparts. In non breeding and juvenile plumage, from white winged by larger bill, grey rump concolorous with back and tail, and different head pattern. Compared with white winged, juvenile generally lacks pronounced dark lesser covert and secondary bars and has black and buff markings on mantle/scapulars that appear more chequered. Inland and coastal waters.