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Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: LARIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Gull-billed Tern Photo

© gregob

A medium-sized tern with broader wings and a thicker bill than most other terns, the Gull-billed Tern is found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States and very southern California.

Appearance

Gull-like
Gull-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Medium-sized tern. Stocky, with wide wings. Stout black bill. Tail short and notched. Black cap when breeding. Head nearly white during winter, with dark smudge behind eyes. Wings very pale gray with little black in tips. Body white. Legs black.

Immature Description

Immature resembles winter adult.

Range Map Help

Gull-billed Tern Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Sandwich Tern has thinner black bill with pale tip and thinner wings.

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