Royal Tern Photo Gallery
Nonbreeding adult (American)
Large tern with pointed wings, a long forked tail, and a bright orange bill. Nonbreeding birds have a narrow often shaggy band at the back of the head.
© Christoph Moning | Macaulay LibraryFlorida, December 31, 2012Breeding adult (American)
Large tern with a daggerlike orange bill. Breeding birds have a shaggy black crown that is sometimes held flat. Note black legs.
© Denny Swaby | Macaulay LibraryWest Bay, May 26, 2020Nonbreeding adult
Plunge dives into shallow water to capture fish and crustaceans such as shrimp.
© Benjamin Clock | Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, July 13, 2010Not all videos have soundNonbreeding adult (American)
Nonbreeding birds have a narrow often shaggy band at the back of the head.
© Brendan Klick | Macaulay LibraryFlorida, December 19, 2017Immature (American)
Immature birds have darker wingtips and a narrow shaggy crest.
© Etienne Artigau🦩 | Macaulay LibraryFlorida, March 09, 2017Juvenile (American)
Juveniles are spotted with black and gray above with a partial cap. Note gray bar across the wings.
© S. K. Jones | Macaulay LibraryFlorida, July 18, 2017Breeding adult (American)
Pale gray above with a long forked tail and pointed wings. Flies with strong rowing wingbeats.
© Mary Catherine Miguez | Macaulay LibraryVirginia, April 25, 2017Breeding adult (American)
Social and colonial nesting waterbird found in groups year-round. Breeding adults have a shaggy black cap and a bright orange bill.
© Patrick Maurice | Macaulay LibraryGeorgia, April 04, 2017Flock (American)
Found along coastal warm waters and sandy beaches.
© Dave Spier | Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, April 19, 2006Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers(Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Laridae)
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