Whiskered Tern
Chlidonias hybrida (Pallas, 1811) (19, 2)
![WhiskeredTern[MY].JPG](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600a63ac6068650681dd0dc9/1612364314495-8XABV4CR5TJ404GBN5OX/WhiskeredTern%5BMY%5D.JPG)
Photo © Mike Youdale
STATUS
Palearctic. Polytypic.
OVERVIEW
The 1912, 1913 and 1918 Norfolk records were not in the list of acceptable records in Witherby et al. (1940-52) nor were they published in the Norfolk Transactions, whereby all additional acceptable records to the Norfolk list were published. These records first published in Seago (1977) and by later Norfolk avifaunas lack any detail whatsoever apart from the bare facts. Personally, when introducing a new record there should be some confirmatory details of the species published, especially on what was a difficult species to identify at this time.
RECORDS
1). 1836 Dorset Lyme Regis, shot, late August.
(W. Yarrell, Zoologist 1843: 80; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85; Seebohm, 1883-85; Witherby, 1920-24; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 202; Moore, 1969; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).
History William Yarrell (1843) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. I. p. 80, on additions to the British list, says: 'One example of this rare Tern has been killed near Weymouth.'
Yarrell (1845 (3): 512-513, 2nd ed.) says: 'I am indebted to the kindness and discrimination of T. C. Heysham, Esq., of Carlisle, for the advantage on inserting this species, new to the British catalogue, and of rare occurrence even on the European continent.
At the end of August 1836, a party of two or three persons went out in a boat from Lyme, to amuse themselves with shooting seabirds and this tern, among others, was part of the produce of their guns. Mr. Heysham shortly afterwards had an opportunity of examining the skins of the birds obtained, selected that of the Whiskered Tern here figured from, and made the arrangement by which I became possessed of it....In the specimen killed on the Dorsetshire coast, and now before me, the bill is red, inclining to dark brown on the edges of both mandibles towards the point; the bill rather stout, with the inferior angle of the under mandible prominent, an approximation to the form of the under mandible in the Gull-billed Tern, next to be described.
The irides brownish-black; forehead, crown, and nape black; from the base of the upper mandible, in a line below the eye to the ear-coverts a stripe of white, forming the whisker or moustache; back, wing-coverts, upper tail-coverts, and tail-feathers uniform dark grey, almost slate-grey; first quill-feather lead-grey on the outer web, and over a considerable portion of that part of the inner web nearest to the white shaft, the other part of the inner web white; the outer webs of the other primary and secondary feathers lighter grey than the inner webs; chin and throat greyish-white; neck and breast slate-grey, and as dark as the back; abdomen, thighs, and flanks lead-grey; under wing and tail-coverts white; legs, toes; and membranes red, the membranes deeply indented. From the point of the beak to the first feathers on the forehead one inch and one-eighth; from the point of the beak to the end of the middle, or short, tail-feathers, ten inches and a half, to the end of the outside, and longest tail-feather one inch more, making the whole length eleven inches and a half. From the carpal joint of the wing to the end of the first quill-feather, which is the longest, nine inches and one-quarter; length of the tarsus seven-eighths of an inch; of the middle toe three-quarters of an inch, claw of the middle toe three-eighths of an inch, strong and curved.'
Admitted as the first for Britain (Seebohm 1884 (3): 260).
Admitted locally by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 202, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.
2). 1842 Yorkshire River Swale, near Hornby Castle, shot, 25th October, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.657).
(T. Southwell, Naturalist 11: 393; T. Southwell, Zoologist 1885: 481; Saunders, 1899; Nelson, 1907; Witherby, 1920-24; Mather, 1986; Watson, 2010).
History Thomas Southwell of Norwich (1885) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XI. p. 393, dated 5th November 1885, says: 'At the dispersal of the very fine collection of birds formerly belonging to the late Mr. Robert Rising, of Horsey, near Great Yarmouth, most of which were of special interest to Norfolk ornithologists, there were a few birds with the history of which I was not acquainted; one of these was a Whiskered Tern.
Upon inquiry of Capt. Rising, with regard to this bird, he kindly referred me to Mr. Geo. Frederick, in whose collection it formerly was, and that gentleman was so good as to inform me that the bird "was shot on the river Swale, at Hornby Castle, in Yorkshire, by one of the Duke of Leeds' gamekeepers in 1842". As this bird has not, I believe, been recorded, and I think it will be an addition to the Yorkshire list, I have much pleasure in placing it on record.'
Thomas Southwell of Norwich (1885) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. IX. p. 481, undated, says: 'At the sale of the late Mr. Rising's collection of birds, which took place at Horsey, on September 17th 1885, most of which were of local interest, there were two birds from other counties which I think should be placed on record, as I am not aware that either of the species are known to have occurred in the counties named. I am indebted for the localities and dates to the kindness of Mr. George Frederick, into whose collection both birds came in the first instance, and passed direct from him to the late Mr. Rising.
The Whiskered Tern was shot on the River Swale by one of the keepers at Hornby Castle, the residence of the Duke of Leeds. At the recent sale by auction this bird passed into the possession of Mr. W. H. Jeary [sic], of Burlingham Hall, Norfolk. The other bird was a Roseate Tern shot in Sussex.'
Saunders (1899: 637, 2nd ed.) says: '...a third was killed, according to Mr. Southwell, near Hornby Castle, Yorkshire, in 1842.' It was accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (2): 651).
Admitted nationally (Hartert et al. 1912; BOU 1915; Witherby 1920-24 (2): 692).
Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen from Hornby Castle, R. Swale, Yorkshire, obtained 25th October 1842, adding that it was sold from the collection of Miss Jary of Burlingham House, Norfolk, on 19th September 1892.
Comment Mr. Rising had reported various occurrences in the journals of the day. Why not this one? Perhaps he knew something. He also owned one of the discredited 1830 Norfolk Bufflehead's. Recorded 43 years after the event. Watson now gives us the late date of 25th October, however, between 1988 and 2006 there were seven records during October.
3). 1847 Norfolk Hickling Broad, adult female, shot, 17th June, now at Castle Museum, Norwich (Acc. No. NWHCM: 1901.32).
(J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1847: 1820; Morris, 1863-67; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Patterson, 1905; Witherby, 1920-24; Seago, 1977; Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009).
History J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher (1847) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. V. p. 1820, say: 'An example of the Whiskered Tern, a bird not previously recorded to have been obtained in Norfolk, was shot on the 17th instant [June], while flying high over Hickling Broad. It proved to be an adult female, and contained ova in an advanced stage; the largest being apparently almost ready to receive the shell. In the stomach was found the remains of about twenty of the larva of the Broad-bodied Dragon-fly.'
Morris (1863-67 (8): 39, reissue) says: 'A second was shot on Heigham sands, Norfolk, on the 19th of June, 1847, so P. Hansell, Esq. informed me. One, a female in adult plumage, is recorded in The Zoologist, page 1820, by J. H. Gurney and W. R. Fisher, Esqrs., to have been shot while flying over Hickling Broad, Yarmouth, on the 17th of that month: I conclude that one and the same specimen is intended.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 528, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
Patterson (1905) says: 'A female example of this species was shot on Hickling Broad on 17th June 1847. It was very forward in egg, and had been feeding on the larva of the Broad-bodied Chaser.'
Comment P. E. Hansell of Thorpe, Norwich, was the person who recorded breeding Great Snipes in Norfolk with another one in April.
4). 1851 Isles of Scilly Abbey Pool, Tresco, immature, shot, late August.
(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1851: 3280; "D.W.M." Zoologist 1852: 3466; Newman, 1866; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1870: 2322; Harting, 1880; Yarrell, 1871-85; R. W. J. Smart, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1888: 177; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 342; Witherby, 1920-24; Penhallurick, 1969).
History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1851) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IX. p. 3280, dated 2nd September 1851, says: 'A bird was submitted to my inspection which was shot near Trescoe Abbey, on one of the Scilly Islands, a few days since, and which I have no doubt is an immature specimen of the Whiskered Tern.
It is larger and more bulkier in appearance than the Black Tern, with the remarkable distinction of a prominent angle on the lower mandible, giving the bird quite a gull-billed appearance. The feet are semipalmated, and the tail three quarters of an inch deep in the fork. Unfortunately I cannot well get at some of the leading dimensions, as the bird is set up. The length from the carpal joint to the end of the first quill feather is about 9 inches less a third; from the bottom of the neck to the end of the longest tail-feather, 7 inches. The whole under parts pure white; the upper part of the back dark brown, with the edges of the feathers lighter; scapulars dark brown, with broad margins of yellowish white; top of the head, occiput and nape black, with a powdered mix of grey and rufous; forehead to crown white; a few light bluish grey feathers, apparently newly moulted, are interspersed on the upper region of the plumage; greater and lesser wing coverts light bluish ash, some of the feathers having the extremities brown; tail with a gradually deeper tone of slate-grey towards the point of each feather, which terminates in a brown spot edged with yellowish white; the collar of the neck is bluish ash; the ear coverts are greyish black, exhibiting a large patch. The under parts being of a uniform pure white, the whisker is not developed.
The bird appears to be in a state of active moult, and rapidly assuming the winter plumage, as described by Mr. Yarrell in his British Birds, III, 406.'
"D.W.M." (1852) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. X. p. 3466, quoting from the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, read on 23rd March 1852, says: 'Mr. Augustus Smith exhibited an interesting young specimen of the Whiskered Tern, killed in Scilly.'
Harting, Editor (1880: 165) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'An immature specimen of this rare tern was procured near Trescoe Abbey, Scilly in September, 1857.' Further, p. 204, under 'Annual Summaries' read to the Royal Institution of Cornwall for 1851, Rodd adds: 'The bird now under notice is in immature plumage, and bears a strong resemblance to the young of the Black Tern; but it is superior in size, with the tail much more deeply forked, and the beak different in form, approaching, in the marked development of the angle of the under mandible, that of the Gulls. This character is still more marked in another species, named on that account the Gull-billed Tern. Your Society will no doubt value this acquisition to the Cornish fauna; although it is to be regretted that so little appears to be known of its habits.'
Admitted by Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 528, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, who adds: '...procured at the end of August, 1851.'
Rev. R. W. J. Smart (1888) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, new series, Vol. II. p. 177, says: 'Mr. A. Pechell shot a Whiskered Tern in September, 1851. It was a bird in immature plumage.'
J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 342, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'A fine example of the Whiskered Tern in immature plumage was shot on Tresco by Pechell on Aug. 2nd, 1851.'
Comment The year given on p. 165, 303, is erroneous; it should read 1851. The actual date of its demise is a mystery with three different dates from three different stories. It would seem that 2nd August is incorrect in view of it being published 55 years later, so late August or 1st September is about the date.
5). 1865 Devon Near Plymouth, adult, picked up exhausted on the sea, 10th May, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.4435).
(J. Gatcombe, Field 20th May 1865: 360; J. Gatcombe, Zoologist 1865: 9629; M. C. Cooke, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1865: 183; Yarrell, 1871-85; Witherby, 1920-24; Moore, 1969; Watson, 2010).
History John Gatcombe of Plymouth (1865) in The Field of 20th May, Vol. XXV. p. 360, and in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXIII. p. 9629, undated, says: 'An adult specimen of that exceedingly rare tern Sterna leucoparia was obtained near Plymouth, a few days since. I accidentally detected it in the hands of a young birdstuffer, who had just finished setting it up, but who had not the least idea of its name or rarity. He told me that it was picked up alive on the water by some fishermen, and brought on shore, but soon died, apparently from exhaustion. I secured the specimen, which is now in the collection of Mr. F. C. Hingston, of Plymouth.'
M. C. Cooke, Editor (1865) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. I. p. 183, says: 'Whiskered Tern. - Mr. Gatcombe has recorded the occurrence of this rare bird near Plymouth a short time since. It was picked up alive on the water by some fishermen and brought ashore, but soon died. It is now in the collection of Mr. F. C. Hingston, of Plymouth.'
Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 528, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: '...and this specimen, which is in full breeding plumage, he has kindly presented to the Editor.'
Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen, dated 2nd May 1865, and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was Ex collection of Howard Saunders (No. 3392) who had received it from J. Gatcombe, bought at Stevens 16.05.1892. Was mothy under wings which were spread; restuffed by Cullingford in different position. Original label, back of stump in case. Vide Yarrell 4th ed. Vol. III. p. 528; Manual of British Birds p. 621.
Comment His letter on the previous page of The Zoologist was dated 14th May 1865 and was probably posted at the same time.
6). 1875 Dorset Old Stage, Warren-bite, Christchurch Harbour, Hampshire, adult male, shot, June, now at Horniman Museum, London (NH.83.3/211).
(A. P. Morres, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 22: 201; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Witherby, 1920-24; Hart MS.; Clark, 2022).
History A. P. Morres (1895) in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine, Vol. XXII. p. 201, says: 'Hart has the only specimen he knows of as having occurred in the district, which was killed in the locality by a gunner named Keynes, in 1875.'
Kelsall & Munn (1905: 327) say: 'In the Hart collection at Christchurch is a specimen shot in that neighbourhood in June, 1875.'
Edward Hart writing in May 1927 states that this cased adult male was shot by me (contra Morres) at Old Stage, Warren-bite, Christchurch Harbour in June 1875 and mounted by me.
Comment Unknown to Howard Saunders (1882-84 (3): 527-528, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds.
7). 1890 Norfolk Dersingham, obtained, early October.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1891: 137; T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 205-206; Witherby, 1920-24; Seago, 1977).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 137, says: 'On October 10th ... About the same date Mr. Howlett, of Newmarket, received a Whiskered Tern, Hydrochelidon hybrida, Pallas, from the neighbourhood of Dersingham; but it was not until February last that it came under the notice of the Rev. J. G. Tuck, who at once saw that it was a rarity, and its identification confirmed by Mr. Harting, to whom Mr. Howlett sent it to be named.'
Thomas Southwell (1889-94) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. pp. 205-206, read 24th February, 1891, says: 'We are indebted to the Rev. J. G. Tuck for the discovery of a second Norfolk specimen of this rare accidental visitor. On a visit to Newmarket in February last, he observed it in the shop of Mr. Howlett of that town, who stated that he had received it with other terns, early in October, 1890, from the neighbourhood of Dersingham, between Lynn and Hunstanton, but was not aware until informed by Mr. Tuck that he possessed such a rarity. The latter gentleman's determination of the species was confirmed by Mr. Harting.
Mr. Howlett tells me that this bird has passed into the possession of the Hon. Walter Rothschilds, of Tring Park.'
Comment Lack (1934: 47) called Howlett notoriously unreliable and rejected all his records for Cambridgeshire.
It is the only pre 1950 October record, however, since then, there are two further Norfolk records for October, Welney, 1988, and Brancaster/Titchwell, 2006.
8). 1894 Dumfries & Galloway Carse Loch, Friars' Carse, Nithsdale, Dumfriesshire, adult male, shot, 29th May, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1895.148).
(R. Service, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1894: 179-181; H. Mackay, Zoologist 1894: 268-269; Gladstone, 1910; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Thom, 1986; P. R. Gordon & D. L. Clugston, Scottish Birds 18: 138; Birding Scotland 4 (2): plate 72).
History Robert Service of Maxwelltown (1894) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. II. pp. 179-181, says: 'On the 30th May [1894] I was most agreeably surprised when Mr. Hugh McKay taxidermist in Dumfries, called upon me with a specimen in the flesh of the Whiskered Tern (Hydrochelidon hybrida, Pallas) which had just been sent to him for preservation. It had been shot on the previous day by Mr. John Kirkpatrick, gamekeeper, near the Carse Loch of Friars Carse [NX9284], a place in Nithsdale, some six miles above Dumfries.
Mr. McKay was kind enough to leave the bird in my hands till I had time to make a detailed examination of it, and to note down the following description: - The cap and nape glossy black, with greenish purple reflections in some lights; from the lower edge of the nape, the whole upper surface of an almost uniform slaty grey, very slightly paler on outer webs of primaries, which present the frosted pearl-grey appearance described by Mr. Howard Saunders (Manual, p. 621); shafts of primaries and secondaries on upper and under sides pure white, except for a little before the tips. Fibres on outer edge of first primary are dark, like the breast. A wedge-shaped stripe of white extends up the inner web of the primaries to within about two inches from the tips. Upper aspect of tips of primaries is of a rather darker shade, while the upper surface of tail is of paler shade, than back. Scapulars and secondaries very slightly tipped with white, which is, however, almost worn off. Cap has a very few small white feathers interspersed amongst the black ones in front of eyes and above the lores. Lores and under eyelids white, the white extending round to the black colour of the nape, and shading quickly lower down into the plumbeous colour of upper neck. From the white patch on throat, the neck, breast, and abdomen as far as the vent are of a dark sooty plumbeous, like the colour on the under side of the Arctic Tern, but very much more intensified. This colour ends abruptly at the vent, which, with the under side of tail and under coverts, is pure white. There are a few white feathers in the breast, that have slight white tips or frilling. Under wing coverts pure white, axillaries pure white. Thighs are very pale slate grey, shading to pure white next the bare parts. Bill a deep blood red, hardly appreciably darker than the blood that was still oozing from the poor bird. Sides very dark blue, legs and toes vermillion, claws dark brown. Length, 11¼ inches; wing, 9¼ inches; bill, 1¼ inches; cleft of tail only half an inch deep.
Subsequently Mr. McKay sent me the body, which, when dissected, proved the bird to be a male. Its stomach contained the remains (apparently) one small white slug and a few "scurrs" or fresh-water shrimps (Gammarus fluviatilis), with the addition of some vegetable fibres. Its short cleft tail, deeply scalloped webs, and long slender toes are most conspicuous, and these differentiate it at once in the eyes of any one accustomed only to the common British species of Terns.
The Whiskered Tern is an addition not only to Solway, but to the Scottish list. Mr. H. Saunders records six occurrences - five English, and one Irish, - and it seems to be exactly twenty-nine years since a specimen has been taken in Britain.'
Hugh Mackay of 33, King Street, Dumfries (1894) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVIII. pp. 268-269, says: 'On the 28th May last a male specimen of the Whiskered Tern, Hydrochelidon hybrida, was forwarded to me from Friars Carse, with the information that it had been shot on marshy ground near the Carse loch, about eight miles from Dumfries.
As I had never seen this bird before, I examined it in the most careful manner, referring occasionally to my books, and comparing it with specimens of the commoner Terns in order to ascertain the precise identity of the bird before sending you this note. Convinced that it was a Whiskered Tern, I gave the bird in the flesh to Mr. Robert Service, of Maxwelltown, Dumfries, for examination, and he agreed in the identification.
After skinning it I returned the body to Mr. Service, so that he might examine the stomach, which he afterwards informed me contained semi-digested portions of the fresh water-shrimp (Gammarus pulex). The length of the bird is 11½ in., wing 9 in. Referring to Mr. Saunders' Manual of British Birds, I find that up till 1889 only six specimens have been recorded, four of which were obtained in England, one in the Scilly Islands, and one in Ireland.
The last specimen was obtained near Plymouth in 1865, and unless there is a record since 1889, which has escaped me, I presume the specimen now in my possession is only the seventh obtained in the British Islands.'
Gladstone (1910: 422-423) says: 'The first Whiskered Tern obtained in Scotland was shot by Mr. John Kirkpatrick, gamekeeper, near the Carse Loch of Friar's Carse (Holywood), some six miles N.N.W. of Dumfries, on May 28th, 1894.
It was found on dissection to contain semi-digested portions of the fresh-water shrimp (Gammarus pulex). This specimen, an adult male, was stuffed by Mr. Hugh Mackay, and may now be seen in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, having been presented by Mr. R. Service, who duly recorded its capture.'
Comment 28th or 29th May? This bird [2001] is a mounted specimen at the National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1895.148).
9). 1906 Norfolk Hickling Broad, seen, 16th June.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 10: 75).
History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1916) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. X. p. 75, says: 'On June 16th, 1906, Mr. James Vincent obtained a near view of a Whiskered Tern, Hydrochelidon leucopareia, which has not yet been recorded, and Miss E. L. Turner also saw it. This was on Hickling Broad, near the coast. The specimen in our Museum was obtained at the same place within one day of this date sixty-eight years ago, namely, on June 17th.'
10). 1910 Suffolk Mouth of River Alde, Shingle Street, adult, seen, 16th to 17th September.
(W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 30: 273; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 6: 324; M. J. Nicoll, British Birds 6: 374; Witherby, 1920-24; Ticehurst, 1932; Piotrowski, 2003).
History W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1912) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXX. p. 273, says: 'An adult, clearly identified at Hollesley Bay (Suffolk), September 16th and 17th.'
H. F. Witherby (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 324, says: 'A Whiskered Tern (Hydrochelidon l. leucopareia) is reported to have been "clearly identified" at Hollesley Bay (Suffolk) on September 16th and 17th, 1910, but such records cannot be accepted without evidence of identification.'
M. J. Nicoll (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 374, says: 'The record of the Whiskered Tern (Hydrochelidon l. leucopareia) mentioned in the March Number of British Birds, p. 324, was sent in to the B.O.C. Migration Committee by me.
As your reviewer casts some doubt on this record I think it is as well that I should supply the following details: The bird - an adult - was seen and clearly identified by me at Shingle Street. It was amongst a large flock of Common Terns. I saw it at close quarters on September 16th and 17th, 1910.'
[I did not "cast doubt" upon the record, but stated that it could not be accepted without evidence of identification. This must especially be insisted upon in records published in the Migration Reports, because the authority for the records is unfortunately not given; but in all cases of rare birds seen, evidence of identification is most desirable. - H.F.W.]
Ticehurst (1932: 427) says: 'Identified by Mr. M. J. Nicoll at the mouth of the Alde. As Nicholl was well acquainted with the species there seems no valid reason for not accepting it.'
11). 1922 Cheshire & Wirral Marbury Mere, seen, 8th to 12th July.
(A. W. Boyd, British Birds 16: 112-113; Witherby, 1920-24; Hedley Bell, 1962).
[Eds., British Birds 36: 40; Not in Witherby et al., 1940-52].
History A. W. Boyd (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. pp. 112-113, says: 'A Whiskered Tern (Hydrochelidon l. leucopareia), a bird new to the Cheshire fauna, visited the Northwich district from July 8th to 12th, 1922. On July 8th I saw three Terns at a considerable distance flying over Marbury Mere, and noticed that one showed some black on the under-parts, but could see no more details of its plumage. On the following day they had left the mere, but I found them over Witton Flashes, a mile distant. One was an adult Common Tern (Sterna hirundo); the second seemed to be an Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisata), but it did not fly close enough for me to be definitely certain; the third was a Whiskered Tern.
This my wife and I watched for a long time as it flew up and down, fly-catching, with a buoyant graceful flight, after the manner of a Black Tern (H. n. nigra). After resting for a time on a stump in the middle of the flash it passed close to us several times, in company with the Common Tern, and was a noticeably smaller bird. It had forehead, crown and nape black; face white below the black cap; back and wings grey - much darker than the Common Tern; throat and breast light - almost whitish; belly and flanks black (or practically so), this black apparently extending as far as the tail, the short forks of which were white on the underside; bill and legs red; wings white on the under-surface except for a triangular brown patch on the under-side of the carpal joint. I felt certain of its identity as soon as I saw the colour of its bill and legs, as it is a bird I had seen on one or two occasions in Egypt.
On the following day (July 10th), Mr. T. A. Coward and Mr. R. M. Garnett accompanied me and we found the Arctic Tern only at Witton Flashes; the Common and Whiskered Terns had returned to Marbury Mere. Mr. Coward confirmed my identification and pointed out when first we saw it at a great distance that from its flight it was obviously one of the "Marsh Terns".
A fairly strong breeze was blowing from the west and it acted exactly as I have seen a Black Tern act in similar circumstances: it flew slowly up wind, fly-catching and then turning flew rapidly back on the wind, turning again and flying slowly up wind as before. On July 12th I saw two Common Terns only on the mere, but Dr. C. Cairnie who visited the locality on July 11th and 12th to look for the bird, wrote to me to say that he saw it on both days; on the second he got a very close view of it and noticed all the details of flight and plumage that we had seen; in addition he added that "when it stooped and spread its tail feathers it displayed a dark transverse band bent in the middle, with the apex of the angle at the fork of the tail".
We could find in the Dresser collection no bird showing exactly the same markings on the under-side of the carpal joint and the under-side of the tail, so that it was probably not fully mature. During the few days before there had been extraordinary fluctuations of the barometer and a high wind, which may account for its occurrence at this time and place. It is probably worth mentioning that when I visited a large Ternery in Anglesey on July 17th I saw no Terns at all and learnt from the watcher that they had all disappeared a week before - just about the time that these birds appeared at Northwich.'
[The Whiskered Tern does not in any plumage have a dark mark on the under-side of the wing. On the other hand, other details prove that the bird was of this species. - H.F.W.]
12). 1933 Norfolk Hickling Broad, seen, 7th July.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 27: 319).
History B. B. Riviere (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 319, and in the 1933 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'On July 7th at Hickling a Whiskered Tern was identified by Mr. J. Vincent.'
13). 1938 Northumberland Budle Bay, seen, 18th June to 24th July.
(H. Tully, Vasculum 24: 118-122; Eds. Naturalist 64: 327; R. E. Podmore, British Birds 32: 157-158; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History H. Tully (1938) in Vasculum, Vol. XXIV. pp. 118-122, says: 'It is not often in these days that one is able to add to add a bird to the Northumbrian list, but this year a Whiskered Tern has paid us a visit for the first time. I saw it on Budle Bay on June 18th, evidently having just arrived, as it was not there on the 16th and previous days. It was still present on July 24th, so was with us for not less than five weeks - a longer period, I think, than any previously recorded visit to this country....Our bird was in full breeding plumage, and was indeed very handsome with its black head, white cheek and throat, black belly and white under tail-coverts. The back and wings were pale grey, the under-wing pearl grey, and a touch of colour was given by the blood-red bill and deep vermillion legs. The normal habitat of marsh terns is, according to the authorities, fresh-water marsh-land; so this bird was somewhat exceptional in its choice of an estuary as its temporary home, and its feeding habits - due no doubt to this fact - were also unusual, in that instead of taking its food on the wing or from the surface of water, it almost invariably plunged into the water, never however vanishing beneath the surface.
It fed on the stream on the south side of Budle Bay when the tide was out, and would beat up against the wind with a steady, deliberate flight some six feet or more above the water, hesitate, drop slightly when it saw something attractive, then plunge down for it. It was not able to hover in still air, in the way a Little Tern or even a Common or Arctic Tern does, and in these circumstances it made a rapid turn back and downwards to the object. Occasionally it would plunge two and three times before it got what it wanted....The food it took must have been small marine life, but occasionally it took sand eels, and when it made a catch of this magnitude it generally took the fish to the bank, swallowed it, and rested for a while. It was during these periods that one had the best opportunities of getting good views of the bird, and it certainly looked its best. On one occasion it stood on one leg for quite a time - in the same way as waders do. The legs, incidentally, are considerably longer relatively than those of the Common or Arctic Terns.
One would have thought that this bird, which was continually plunging into water for food, would need to drink...The bird seemed to be very silent, but I heard it call twice on the first day I saw it, namely, June 18th; the first time for no apparent reason, and the second when another Tern - probably Arctic - flew up the stream. The note was a short scolding one, which might be represented by krrr, and on the occasion when the Tern passed by, this was repeated three times....Then on June 22nd...I saw it fly at and chase off another Arctic Tern....
The normal breeding range of the Whiskered Tern is Southern Europe and North Africa, and it winters in Africa....There are some sixteen previous records of the bird visiting the British Isles...and it is interesting to note that ours is not the only country to have received a visit from this species this year, as in the October issue of British Birds it is reportedthat two parties have actually bred in Holland; and the suggestion is made that the appearance of the birds in this part of Europe has been caused by a drought in the Camargue in southern France, which is a regular breeing place of the species.'
W. H. Pearsall & W. R. Grist, Editors (1938) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXIV. p. 327, say: 'In the current number of The Vasculum (Vol. XXIV. No. 4. pp. 118-122)...Mr. H. Tully also records a Whiskered Tern. One remained in Budle Bay from June 28th until the first week in August. In the interests of the above birds it was not considered desirable to publish their visits until after their departure, so that bird lovers will have missed some real treats; but it was a wise precaution.'
R. E. Podmore (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. pp. 157-158, says: 'I have had the good fortune to see a Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) in Northumberland on June 26th, 1938. My wife and I watched it flying over a channel across the mud flats known as Budle Bay. It finally settled on a bank to preen. The upper parts, with shortly forked grey tail and rump, reminded me immediately of a Black Tern, but the underwing was pale and the black belly, shading to the grey breast and smoky flanks, contrasted with the glistening white thumb mark below the black cap. When preening the red legs appeared to settle the identification. I noted the bill as "dark".
The bird was first observed and identified by Mr. H. Tully from whom we have received the following particulars: - "I first saw the Whiskered Tern on Budle Bay on June 18th. It was not present on the 16th and previous days, so had evidently just arrived. It was in full summer plumage, the beauty of which was only fully appreciated when the bird was at rest. At low tide it fished in the stream almost continuously, procuring food by plunging into the water, and on occasions I saw it take sand-eels. Often when it made a catch of this magnitude it took it to the bank, swallowed it, and rested for a time. At high tide it roosted on a spit of land at the head of the Bay, and likewise in the evening whatever the state of the tide it proceeded to this spot. I saw it almost daily until June 25th, and subsequently on July 9th, 10th, 17th, and 24th. It was not present on August 7th. Mrs. T. E. Hodgkin, Mr. G. W. Temperley and Mr. J. M. Craster all saw the bird on June 19th, Mr. T. Russell Goddard on the 20th, and subsequently others who were interested".'
[Heer G. A. Brouwer has recently contributed an article to Ardea (Vol. XXVII. pp. 156-63 (1938), plates iii-iv) in which he gives details of an incursion of Whiskered Terns into Holland in the spring of 1938. At the first of the two localities where they were observed the birds were first noticed on May 10th. Eight pairs nested, but one nest disappeared. Each nest contained three eggs and was built of Carex and Juncus leaves on floating islets of Menyanthes trifoliate. On July 6th a dozen fledged young were seen over the breeding place and two days later fifteen were on the wing but all left by July 15th.
At the other breeding place six adults were seen in June, but the only nests found were subsequently destroyed. It seems probable that the breeding of this species in Holland and the appearance of the bird in Northumberland are directly connected with the drought in western Europe and the drying up of the breeding places in the Camargue. - Eds.]
Comment Discrepancy over the date in The Naturalist. All this points to it being an Arctic Tern, apart from the black breast which may have been a trick of bright sunlight. The Handbook would not have been published so I can only think that Coward's book would be the field guide of the day, something I haven't seen.
14). 1939 Norfolk Hickling Broad, seen, 4th to 5th June.
(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1939: 17; Eds., British Birds 34: 71).
History J. Vincent (1939) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 17, under 'Bird Notes from Hickling, 1939', says: 'Lord Desborough and I watched a bird of this species "hawking" for flies on Hickling Broad on June 4th. It was working up and down the same area the following morning and at times came within a few yards of me.'
In an Editorial (1940) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIV. p. 71, in a Review of the Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, for 1939, they say: 'An important record is that of a Whiskered Tern watched by Lord Desborough and Mr. J. Vincent at Hickling on June 4th. It was hawking insects and was present the next morning when it came within a few yards of Mr. Vincent.'
15). 1942 Norfolk Whiteslea Lodge, Hickling Broad, adult male, seen, 3rd May.
(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1942: 12).
History J. Vincent (1942) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 12, under 'Notes from Hickling', says: 'On May 3rd - a very early date - I saw a fine adult male hawking for flies over the water not far from the Lodge, and another on Rush Hills on June 30th. Both of these birds passed within fifteen yards of me.'
16). 1942 Norfolk Rush Hills, Hickling Broad, seen, 30th June.
(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1942: 12).
History J. Vincent (1942) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 12, under 'Notes from Hickling', says: 'On May 3rd - a very early date - I saw a fine adult male hawking for flies over the water not far from the Lodge, and another on Rush Hills on June 30th. Both of these birds passed within fifteen yards of me.'
17). 1943 Norfolk Hickling Broad, adult, seen, 11th July.
(J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1943: 11).
History J. Vincent (1943) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 11, under 'Notes from Hickling', says: 'An adult bird was perched on one of the posts in Hickling Broad, only a few yards away from me and Mr. Piggin, on July 11th.'
18). 1947 Norfolk Salthouse, seen, 24th May.
(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1947: 32; Seago, 1977).
History C. E. Gay (1947) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 32, says: 'A bird believed to be of this species was seen at Salthouse on May 24th. It was larger than a Black Tern with heavier beak which was very dark red. It had a black crown, white on sides of neck and head, light grey rump and tail, which was slightly forked and had a whitish edge, under-tail coverts white, breast grey, flanks dark grey. It was watched for twenty minutes skimming over the water in company with a Black Tern with which a comparison was made (C. C. and E. M. Rose).'
19). 1949 Lancashire & North Merseyside Belmont Reservoir, near Bolton, adult, 24th July.
(A. Hazelwood, British Birds 43: 93-94; Spencer, 1973; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008).
History Alfred Hazelwood (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. pp. 93-94, says: 'On a reservoir at Belmont, near Bolton, Lancashire, on July 24th, 1949, I saw, in company with A. J. Murray, what we have no hesitation in recording as a Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida). When first seen it was over two hundred yards away but the white side of the head and under tail-coverts stood out in contrast to the rest of the body. We subsequently approached to within forty yards of the bird, which was in typical summer plumage except that the frontal region had some white. The white throat gradually deepened to a dark grey on the belly and was without the patchy appearance of the moulting Black Tern (C. niger).
We are both familiar with the Black Tern in the field, and in the skin in all its phases of plumage, and though the tail was clearly seen to be only slightly forked the action of the bird's flight reminded us more of that of a true Sterna, though the bird did not hover before diving, rather falling swiftly to the water to pick something from the surface. It fed all the time into wind, turning after about a hundred yards and flying rapidly down-wind to its starting point. Each beat was covered about half-a-dozen times before the bird moved on up the reservoir to a fresh one. In this way it covered the length of the water, about half-a-mile, in about forty minutes and then turned to work it back again. The bird fed in this way, flying from three to ten feet above the water, during the whole time we had it under observation, which was just under two hours, and only towards the end of that period did it settle momentarily on the water, three times in quick succession, as though to gather something slightly deeper. The bird was generally silent but twice uttered a cry which could be referred to the "schreea" quoted by The Handbook from Naumann.
On our return we examined a series of Black Tern in all plumages but our bird was not one of these. It agreed well with the Whiskered Tern figured by Gould except for the white frontal patch and a less forked tail. In size it appeared to us to be mid-way between the marsh and Common Terns though this is of little weight since neither were available for comparison. It was not possible in the evening light to distinguish the exact shade of the soft parts. The bird was gone on the following morning and was not to be found on reservoirs near by.'
1950-57 RECORDS
20). 1956 Radnorshire Llan Bwch-Llyn, 21st to 22nd April.
(G. C. Lambourne, British Birds 50: 121; Nature in Wales 2: 281; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).
History G. C. Lambourne (1957) in British Birds Vol. L. p. 121, says: 'A Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) was present at Llan Bwch-llyn, Radnorshire, on 21st and 22nd April 1956. The bird was rather less than two-thirds the size of some Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) among which it sometimes flew. On one occasion, one of the gulls chased it for about thirty yards.
The outstanding features of the Whiskered Tern were its general dark appearance above with jet black top to the head, white chin and cheeks and the very dark belly. Also noted were the white underside to base of the tail and the dark red bill. I watched it for almost an hour on 21st April and, except for one period of about ten minutes, it was flying and feeding in typical Black Tern (C. niger) fashion; swooping to the surface of the water from which it was apparently taking food. During the ten minutes referred to, it was flying over a small area of reeds and swamp at one side of the lake. It flew round and round, backwards and forwards, at heights from 20 to 80 feet.
In view of the unusual nature of this occurrence, I called on Mr. Arthur Brook that afternoon to ask him to go and confirm it. He was able to visit the" lake with Col. H. Morrey Salmon and they saw the bird just before sun-down. They had no hesitation in confirming it as a Whiskered Tern. On 22nd April it was seen in the morning by Mr. R. H. Baillie, but could not be found in the afternoon.
This record appears to be the first for Wales and the twenty-sixth for Great Britain where it has not apparently been recorded before in April.'
Accepted nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).
21). 1957 Cumbria Tindale Tarn, 13th May.
(E. Blezard, Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society 9: 47; Hutcheson, 1986).
History E. Blezard (1958) in the Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society, Vol. IX. p. 47, says: 'A Whiskered Tern was present at Tindale Tarn, East Cumberland, on 13 May 1957 (William French and A. W. Vincent).
While the tarn is a known place of call for Black Terns C. niger, (L.), this bird happened to be well viewed by two observers whose acquaintance with birds, and not least terns, extends over a great part of the world.'
Accepted locally (Hutchinson 1986).
NOT PROVEN
0). 1883 Derbyshire River Trent, near Barrow-upon-Trent, shot, autumn.
(Whitlock, 1893; Frost, 1978).
[Witherby et al., 1940-52].
History Whitlock (1893: 218-219) says: 'A single example of this rare British species has been detected in Derbyshire.
About the autumn of 1883, Mr. Francis Ley, of Barrow-on-Trent, shot a Tern on the river, which he sent to A. S. Hutchinson for preservation. Hutchinson was at once struck by its dissimilarity to the commoner species. After carefully examining the bird, he fully identified it as the Whiskered Tern. This specimen is now in the Calke Abbey collection.'
Accepted locally by Frost (1978: 102) who doesn't comment whether he has verified the specimen at nearby Calke Abbey, NT.
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not admitted nationally (Witherby et al. 1940-52).
0). Pre 1903 Lancashire & North Merseyside Formby, obtained, undated, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.362).
(Watson, 2010).
[KAN].
History Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen that was shot by Robert Emsley at Formby, Lancashire, prior to 1903, adding that it was bought by Nicholls [sic] at Stevens auction rooms on 7th June 1903 (ex Beaumont collection).
Comment I presume he means J. B. Nichols as a lot of specimens in the collection are from Auden and therefore someone who was involved in the Hastings rarities fraud. Not acceptable.
0). 1905 Sussex Rye Harbour, two: adult male and another, shot, 9th August.
(H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 306; Ticehurst, 1909; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 306, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'An adult male was shot at Rye Harbour on August 9th, 1905, and is now in the Booth Museum. Four or five others were shot about the same time near Lydd and Pevensey (N.F.T.).'
Ticehurst (1909: 492) says: 'In August a small flock of these south European Marsh-Terns appear to have visited the adjoining coasts of Kent and Sussex. Five specimens altogether were shot at different times during that month, two each at Rye Harbour and Pevensey in Sussex, and one between Rye Harbour and Dungeness in Kent.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 242-243) says: 'Sussex has several specimens to show, all secured during August, 1905...The account I like best emanates from Mr. G. Bristow, since he it was who set the birds up, and according to him five were procured on August 9th - two at Rye and three at Pevensey, and one at the place last named next day. Six in all. Of these, were acquired one apiece by Messrs. F. Ashburnham and J. B. Nichols, the Hastings Museum and that in the Dyke Road, Brighton, and by the museum at Reading the remaining brace.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1905 Sussex Pevensey, four: three, shot, 9th August; one, shot, 10th August.
(H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 2: 306; Ticehurst, 1909; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 306, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'Four or five others were shot about the same time near Lydd and Pevensey (N.F.T.).'
Ticehurst (1909: 492) says: 'In August a small flock of these south European Marsh-Terns appear to have visited the adjoining coasts of Kent and Sussex. Five specimens altogether were shot at different times during that month, two each at Rye Harbour and Pevensey in Sussex, and one between Rye Harbour and Dungeness in Kent. The last, an adult female, was obtained on August 14th, and passed into the collection of Mr. Fleetwood Ashburnham. One may be seen in the Hastings Museum.'
Walpole-Bond (1938 (3): 242-243) says: 'Sussex has several specimens to show, all secured during August, 1905...The account I like best emanates from Mr. G. Bristow, since he it was who set the birds up, and according to him five were procured on August 9th - two at Rye and three at Pevensey, and one at the place last named next day. Six in all. Of these, were acquired one apiece by Messrs. F. Ashburnham and J. B. Nichols, the Hastings Museum and that in the Dyke Road, Brighton, and by the museum at Reading the remaining brace.'
Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.
0). 1905 Kent Between Rye Harbour and Dungeness, adult female, shot, 14th August.
(Ticehurst, 1909).
[KAN].
History Ticehurst (1909: 492) says: 'In August a small flock of these south European Marsh-Terns appear to have visited the adjoining coasts of Kent and Sussex. Five specimens altogether were shot at different times during that month, two each at Rye Harbour and Pevensey in Sussex, and one between Rye Harbour and Dungeness in Kent. The last, an adult female, was obtained on August 14th, and passed into the collection of Mr. Fleetwood Ashburnham.'
Comment All of Fleetwood Ashburnham’s specimens were heavily involved in the Hastings rarity fraud and I see no reason that this record, evidently overlooked or freshly introduced by Ticehurst, is another one connected to the fraud. Not acceptable.
0). 1912 Norfolk Hickling Broad, May.
(Seago, 1977).
[Witherby et al., 1940-52].
History Seago (1977) states that single birds were seen between May and July in 1906, 1912, 1913, 1918.
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1913 Norfolk Hickling Broad, June.
(Seago, 1977).
[Witherby et al., 1940-52].
History Seago (1977) states that single birds were seen between May and July in 1906, 1912, 1913, 1918.
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1918 Kent Near Lydd, two, May.
(Harrison, 1953).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Harrison (1953 (1): 453) says: 'The general collection in the Maidstone Museum has a pair of this species from near Lydd in May 1918.'
Comment Hastings rarities. Not acceptable.
0). 1918 Norfolk Hickling Broad, June.
(Seago, 1977).
[Witherby et al., 1940-52].
History Seago (1977) states that single birds were seen between May and July in 1906, 1912, 1913, 1918.
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
