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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CXV
Field-journal plate: Caspian Tern
The Caspian Tern plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CXV

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

Laridae · Taxon 144537

Length47–54 cm (18.5–21.3 in)
Wingspan126–128 cm (49.6–50.4 in)
Weight530–782 g (18.7–27.6 oz)

Field marks

  1. Very large, heavy-bodied tern with a large head and thick neck
  2. Massive, straight coral-red bill, often with a dusky tip
  3. Black cap and short crest; forehead becomes white-flecked outside breeding plumage
  4. White body with a pale gray back and upperwings
  5. Dark eyes and short blackish legs and feet
  6. Broad, pointed wings with dark outer primaries below; short, shallowly forked tail

HabitatFreshwater and saltwater shorelines, including large lakes, rivers, estuaries, lagoons, beaches, and islands. Nests on flat, open, sparsely vegetated sand, gravel, mud, or shell-covered ground.

BehaviorFlies slowly over water while scanning, then plunge-dives for fish. Roosts in flocks, often with other terns and gulls, and nests colonially or in solitary pairs near water.

Palette

whitepale grayblackcoral redcharcoal gray