Whiskered Tern - Chlidonias hybrida

In summer plumage their black cap and white cheeks makes them look more like Common Terns than Black Terns but they have the short, broad wings and tails typical of 'marsh terns' and their underparts are such a deep grey that the white cheeks stand out boldly. In juvenile plumage, they have a dark mantle recalling the saddle effect which is a key feature of White-winged Black Terns. In a Whiskered Tern, however, this saddle is paler, browner and is noticeably interrupted by pale scaly markings. The rump is not as conspicuously white as on a White-winged Black Tern and the wings of a Whiskered Tern are a more uniform grey. These features are also helpful in winter plumage when the crown goes mostly white, leaving a definite dark horizontal line going back from the eye. The bill is heavier than in other 'marsh terns'.

Breeds in freshwater marshes, pools and fishponds

The majority of British records have occurred in May and June

Rare but regular visitor to Britain – about two records a year

Very rare vagrant. First record was of a first winter bird at Stanford Reservoir 22nd October 1991 and the second was of an adult at Eyebrook Reservoir 18th June 2007