I mean with Laughing Gulls I will see the comments. This is "first winter" or this is "second summer" or something. Do Royal Terns just have three plumages different appearances?
What do you mean by multiple phases? Breeding Plumage? yes, there is a difference depending on the time of year. Or do you mean with Age? Yours looks to be a juvenile, as they age the wings will be turn more solid grey.
5 Comments
Don't forget to add scientific names to your spottings to take them off the unidentified list!
Yes, Its not until the 3rd summer that the tern will have its full adult breeding plumage.
I mean with Laughing Gulls I will see the comments. This is "first winter" or this is "second summer" or something. Do Royal Terns just have three plumages different appearances?
What do you mean by multiple phases? Breeding Plumage? yes, there is a difference depending on the time of year. Or do you mean with Age? Yours looks to be a juvenile, as they age the wings will be turn more solid grey.
Do Royal Terns have multiple phases like Laughing Gulls do?