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DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> Bird ID, please
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Showing posts 1 - 13 of 13, (reverse)
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 06/22/2005 12:06:20 PM · #1
Shot in the Aquatic Birds house at the Bronx Zoo:



I assume it's a Tern, but:

1. I could very easily be wrong.
2. If I'm right, what kind of Tern?

Thanks,
Ara

edit: Consensus is that it's a Common Tern. I've updated the shot with info from Wikipedia too.

Message edited by author 2005-06-23 03:35:05.
 06/22/2005 12:10:15 PM · #2
It looks like an Artic tern to me but i could be wrong.
 06/22/2005 12:15:07 PM · #3
It appears to be the rare black-headed African cockamaime mixed with a standard elephant pigeon. I could be wrong, since I know nothing about birds.
 06/22/2005 12:18:36 PM · #4
Originally posted by thewriterside:
It appears to be the rare black-headed African cockamaime mixed with a standard elephant pigeon. I could be wrong, since I know nothing about birds.


Damn, you beat me to it!! But are you sure, I think it is white headed African cockamaime with a standard elephant pigeon throwback due to genetic modification so it just gives the impression of being the black-headed variety!

Steve
 06/22/2005 12:45:00 PM · #5
Could be a Common, Forster's or Artic. Being in a zoo it could be from anywhere so you would have to look at a wider range of books than just North America. Not a Caspian, Elegant or Royal Tern as they have black legs
 06/22/2005 12:54:07 PM · #6
Originally posted by mystical2007:
It looks like an Artic tern to me but i could be wrong.

Ok, thanks. I looked up Arctic Tern, and Wikipedia indicates this might be an aggressive bird towards people if the nest is in question. Since this was an "open" exhibit with no glass in front, I'd guess it might not be Arctic, but maybe Common.

LOL, thewriterside and Formerlee.

Originally posted by jbsmithana:
Could be a Common, Forster's or Artic. Being in a zoo it could be from anywhere so you would have to look at a wider range of books than just North America. Not a Caspian, Elegant or Royal Tern as they have black legs

Thanks. That was my thinking after getting the lead from mystical2007. I'm thinking I can also rule out the Arctic because the Wikipedia description states its bill is entirely dark red.

Message edited by author 2005-06-22 16:55:13.
 06/22/2005 12:55:52 PM · #7
Arctic Terns are definately aggressive if you're near their nest.

edit: Arctic Tern was my first guess for this bird as well. Though their are lots of sea birds with similar markings.

Message edited by author 2005-06-22 16:57:35.
 06/22/2005 01:44:37 PM · #8
At first I thought Arctic tern (yes, it's a tern for sure), but their beak is red (at least when I see them)
Only photo I have online at the moment:

See also my mommy, feed me folder at my port.

just remembered, that at my smugmug, I caught a pair of Arctic terns in THE act

bad joke of the day:
whenever you see a group of terns throw stones at each and every one them so that you ....
.....
...leave no tern unstoned

Message edited by author 2005-06-22 17:46:18.
 06/22/2005 02:28:00 PM · #9
This last couple of weeks I've been working with Forster's Terns here in northern California. Those terns do not hold still for a second!

Here are a few views:

maybe that will help with your id.
 06/22/2005 02:32:43 PM · #10
It is a Common Tern 'Sterna Hirundo'//www.treknature.com/gallery/Middle_East/Turkey/photo16227.htm

Message edited by author 2005-06-22 18:35:47.
 06/22/2005 11:33:28 PM · #11
thanks cpanaioti, Gauti, sfalice & heatherd!

i've updated the shot to include the info from wikipedia for the common tern.
 06/23/2005 05:57:17 AM · #12
It can't be a tern because terns always travel in pairs. Why? Because one good tern deserves another.

Ba-Dum-Bump!

Scott
 06/23/2005 06:12:11 AM · #13
Looks like a Deciduous Orange Beaked Tern. These are known for nesting in cypress and tulip trees near maritime aquatic ports, hiding in closets, coming out and scaring tourists. Lots of fun, and they sure help to keep the hermit crabs under control!
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