Caspian Tern
Hydroprogne caspia
Copied!
Hydroprogne caspia
Copied!
Mass
~660 g
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Caspian tern looks bold and solid in the air, with a strong red bill and a slower, heavier wingbeat than most terns. Its tail is only slightly forked, which gives the whole shape a calmer, less sharp look.
It often gathers in colonies and may range far from them when feeding. The voice is rough and loud, more like a heron’s croak than a typical tern call, so it can announce itself before it comes into view.
For breeding, it chooses sandy coasts and islands, and during migration it may turn up over inland waters too. It mainly takes fish by plunging from above, but will also eat large insects, eggs and young of other nesting species, and even rodents.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Caspian tern looks bold and solid in the air, with a strong red bill and a slower, heavier wingbeat than most terns. Its tail is only slightly forked, which gives the whole shape a calmer, less sharp look.
It often gathers in colonies and may range far from them when feeding. The voice is rough and loud, more like a heron’s croak than a typical tern call, so it can announce itself before it comes into view.
For breeding, it chooses sandy coasts and islands, and during migration it may turn up over inland waters too. It mainly takes fish by plunging from above, but will also eat large insects, eggs and young of other nesting species, and even rodents.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Hydroprogne caspia Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Caspian tern Encyclopedia article