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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Caspian Tern

Sterna caspia ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: LARIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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As large as a big gull, the Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world. Its large coral red bill makes it one of the most easily identified terns throughout its worldwide range.

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Appearance

Gull-like
Gull-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large, gull-like tern.
  • Black cap.
  • Body white.
  • Bill large, thick, and brilliant red with dark tip.

Immature Description

Juvenile has blackish crown, black edging to back feathers.

Range Map Help

Caspian Tern Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult nonbreeding
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    Caspian Tern

    Adult nonbreeding
    • © Kevin T. Karlson
  • Juvenile
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    Caspian Tern

    Juvenile
    • © Kevin T. Karlson
  • Adult breeding
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    Caspian Tern

    Adult breeding
    • Very large tern with short tail
    • Very thick, deep-red bill, typically with black at tip
    • Dark undersides to the tips of the wings
    • Breeding adult has fully black, glossy cap
    • © France Dewaghe, Delaware City, Delaware, August 2006

Similar Species

  • Larger and more robust than other terns. Pointed red bill and black cap distinguishes it from gulls.
  • Royal Tern thinner with thinner wings, has thinner more pointed orange or orange-red bill, more deeply notched tail, and outside of the breeding season, an extensive white forehead.