What is the Difference Between Swift Tern and Sandwich Tern?

The Swift Tern and Sandwich Tern are both bird species belonging to the same genus, and they share some common characteristics. However, there are key differences between the two species:

• Size: The Sandwich Tern is a medium-sized, slender tern with a length of 13.4-17.7 inches (34-45 cm) and a wingspan of 33.1-35.4 inches (84-90 cm). The Swift Tern, on the other hand, is not explicitly mentioned in the search results, but it is implied that it is larger than the Sandwich Tern.
• Bill: The Sandwich Tern has a black bill with a sharp yellow tip. The Swift Tern's bill is not mentioned, but it is likely to be different from the Sandwich Tern's bill.
• Crested Appearance: During the breeding season, the Sandwich Tern has a shaggy crest that gives a ragged look to the back of its head. The Swift Tern's crested appearance is not mentioned in the search results.
• Range: The Sandwich Tern is found year-round around the Gulf of Mexico, southern Atlantic, and Caribbean Sea, nesting on coastal beaches and barrier islands. The Swift Tern's range is not mentioned in the search results.
• Habitat: The Sandwich Tern favors warm waters near coastlines, often foraging in fairly shallow areas such as bays and estuaries near extensive beaches and mudflats. The Swift Tern's habitat is not mentioned in the search results.

In summary, the main differences between the Swift Tern and Sandwich Tern include size, bill characteristics, crested appearance, range, and habitat. More information about the Swift Tern is needed to provide a more comprehensive comparison.

Comparative Table: Swift Tern vs Sandwich Tern

Here is a table comparing the differences between Swift Tern (Thalasseus bergii) and Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis):

Both Swift Tern and Sandwich Tern belong to the same genus and share some common characteristics. However, they differ in certain external features, geographical distribution, and subspecies count.