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Forster's Tern Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A slender, long-tailed, long-winged seabird with a long, pointed bill and short legs. When perched, the long tail streamers extend past the end of the wings.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Black Tern, smaller than a Bonaparte’s Gull.

    Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 13.0-14.2 in (33-36 cm)
      • Weight: 4.6-6.7 oz (130-190 g)
      • Wingspan: 30.7-31.5 in (78-80 cm)