Ancient Greek for like a swallow. Mr Rafinesque came up with the notion that the Marsh Terns looked somewhat like Swallows in 1822 and coined the name Chlidonias for the genus. I have no problem distinguishing Terns from Swallows but distinguishing one tern from another is more of a challenge.
Marsh terns are relatively small as terns go and are most often seen over fresh water. Two species are fairly common in Australia, especially in the north and a third species causes considerable excitement when it shows up. The largest member of the genus is the Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias hybrida (Latin for hybrid because of the mistaken notion that it was a cross between two other species. Taxonomy has its rules, the oldest name prevails, thus the specific name bestowed by Pallas in 1811 later found itself combined with Greek – no respect for the classics).
Whiskered Terns do venture over the sea. These photographs were taken at Entrance Point adjacent to the Port of Broome. There were two present, both post-breeding adults undergoing moult.
Aficionados will observe that the inner primaries are fresh, P7 is nearing full development and the three outer primaries are old and soon to be lost. The secondaries are at much the same stage. Click on the pictures for a better look.
bobmcgee 