The whiskered tern (Chlidonias hybrida) is named for the moustachioed stripe at the side of its beak - the genus name is from Ancient Greek khelidonios meaning swallow-like. In breeding or summer plumage, the whiskered tern has a dark grey body, white cheeks and a black crown. In winter, the plumage turns white on the underside and pale grey on the upperparts. The forehead also turns white and the remainder of the crown becomes flecked with white thus appearing grey.
