GULLS, TERNS

Forster’s Tern, Sterna forsteri

Family Laridae (Gulls, Terns)

Size: 14"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Coastal areas, lakes, marshes

The Forster’s Tern is a medium-size tern with no crest and a relatively long, pointed orange bill with a black tip. Breeding plumage is very pale gray above and white below, with a forked white tail and very light primaries. The head has a black cap, and the short legs are red. Nonbreeding adults have darker primaries, a black ear patch in place of the cap, and an all-black bill. Forster’s Terns display swallow-like flight, with narrow pointed wings, and they plunge-dive for fish. They voice short, harsh, one-syllable calls. The nonbreeding adult (top) and breeding adult (bottom) are illustrated.