Gulls and terns · Shorebirds
Caspian Tern
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Hydroprogne caspia
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Voice
Call
Call
How to recognize it
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48–60 cm long
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White head with a black cap; thick red-orange bill with a black tip
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Pale grey back and upper wings; slow wingbeats, shallowly forked tail in flight
About the species
At the water’s edge, the Caspian Tern is mostly white, with pale-grey wings and back beneath its black cap. Its thick red-orange bill ends in a small black tip, and dark wingtips show underneath in flight. The tail is only slightly forked, less deeply notched than many other terns. In winter, white streaks appear on its forehead.
It flies with slow wingbeats, hovering high over the water before plunging after fish. Its call is a loud croak. Fish make up most of its diet, though it also takes large insects, rodents, and the eggs or chicks of other species.
It nests on sandy or gravelly shores and islands, often in colonies, and also breeds beside large lakes. European and Asian populations spend the non-breeding season in the Old World tropics, while those from North America move to southern coasts, the West Indies, and northern South America.
Where to find
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At large lakes and along sea coasts, watch for a high hover over the water followed by a plunge for fish.
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On sandy sea shores and islands in spring and summer, look from a distance for nesting colonies on the ground.
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During migration, watch inland waters for small flocks.
