Klaus Malling Olsen

Basics: 1995, hardcover, 224 pages, 41 color plates, 207 color photographs, 23 species, range maps

Tackling one of the difficulty-to-identify groups of birds, this book is an excellent reference, identification guide, and photo aid to all the species of terns routinely found in Europe and in North America. This is purely an identification guide. The text focuses on detailed descriptions of the various plumages and little else.

Each bird receives its own chapter ranging from 2 pages (Least Tern) to 13 pages (Common Tern). The chapter contains extensive information on identification in the field that includes all the seasonal, gender, and age plumages. Another helpful section covers the geographical variations. Of interest to ringers or banders, a table of measurements is offered for each tern.

Within each chapter are two or three very nicely illustrated color plates. One displays the birds in various plumages at rest. Another one or two more plates show the birds in flight. The number of illustrations for each bird ranges from 4 to 24. There are also many detailed b&w illustrations to illustrate the finer identification points of the head, beak, and tail patterns.

The range maps use a standard template of the flat-earth to display the ranges that often cover several continents. Due to the large area covered, the ranges are general. For more detailed coverage, you should read through the text.

Concluding the book are 48 pages with color photos. Each bird is shown with 2-19 very good, clear photographs. The birds are displayed at rest, in flight, and in the various plumages.

If I were able to make one change in this book, it would only be to place the plates next to each other instead of isolated within their own respective chapter. I found myself flipping back and forth over many pages to compare the winter or juvenile plumages of similar species.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to dive into the finer details to become more knowledgeable on the identification of terns. The book’s smaller size makes it eligible for field use, especially if you have the luxury of sitting on at pier, coastline, or boat where the terns hang around for extended periods.… (plus d'informations)