Elegant Tern

Nonbreeding adult

Long, drooping orange bill and shaggy black crest around the back of the head are key features. Also note dark primaries in flight.

Breeding adult

Medium-sized tern with pointy wings. Long, slender yellow to reddish orange bill, appears to droop at tip. Breeding birds have a black crest that is shaggy at the rear.

Nonbreeding adult

While migrating or during the wintering season, Elegant Terns take rest on coastal mudflats, sandy beaches, or rocky shorelines.

Breeding adult

Immature

Nonbreeding adult

Long, orange bill droops slightly at the tip. Nonbreeding birds have a shaggy black band around the back of head.

Breeding adult

Immature

The bill on immatures is yellower than on adults. Juveniles have a shaggy black band around the back of the head and variable amounts of dark mottling on the back and wings.

Nonbreeding adult

Flock

Congregates on rocky outcrops, beaches, or pilings in the water. Note long shaggy crest at the rear of the head on nonbreeding birds.

Breeding and nonbreeding

Moves northward for a short period after breeding where they form large flocks.