Peppergrass

Whiskered Tern

Chlidonias hybrida hybridus

The most common tern in Sri Lanka and the largest of the Genus. Non-breeding plumage appears pale. Black eye-stripes extend to meet on nape (does not drop behind the eye as in other species), Streaky crown and pale unmarked grey upper-parts and tail. White  under-parts with sometimes a faint grey patch on sides of breast.Black bill and red-brown legs. Breeding plumage Sterna like glossy black cap and obvious white cheek stripes, blue-grey breast and darker belly with white vent and undertail coverts. When in flight the grey body contrasts with white collar, rump and pale underwings. Flies low with head pointed downwards, swooping to pick up food. Solitary or in flocks.

Posted on February 10, 2009 at 9:01 pm in Uncategorized.