Gull-billed Tern Identification

Breeding adult

Rather stocky tern with a thick black bill. Breeding birds have an entirely black crown.

Breeding adult

Breeding birds have an entirely black cap. Thick black bill is the key field mark.

Breeding adult and juvenile with Black Skimmer

Gull-billed Terns often form mixed-species flocks while loafing on coastlines.

Nonbreeding adult

Stocky tern with a thick black bill and black legs. Nonbreeding birds have a dark smudge behind the eye.

Breeding adult

Juvenile

Juveniles have a smudgy gray patch behind the eye and a thick bill that is often pale at the base.

Breeding adult

Note notched tail and flight and dusky tips to the primaries.

Breeding adult

Stocky with a thick black bill and black legs. The crown is entirely black.

Nonbreeding adult

Breeding adult

Flock