Gulls, Terns

Caspian Tern, Sterna caspia

Family Laridae (Gulls, Terns)

Size: 21"

Season: Summer; spring and fall migrant

Habitat: Coastal areas, river basins

The Caspian tern is a very large, thick-necked tern, the size of a big gull. It has a pointed, rich-red bill that is dark at the tip and a black cap on its head. The upperparts are very pale gray, the underparts are white, and the primary feathers are pale gray above and tipped with dark on the underside. The legs are short and black. Nonbreeding adults have pale streaks through the cap. In flight the Caspian tern uses ponderous, shallow wing beats and is less agile than smaller terns. It flies above the water surface searching for prey, plunging headfirst to snatch small fish, and may rob food from other birds. Its voice is a harsh craw! The breeding adult is illustrated.