A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Hydroprogne caspia
This is the world's largest tern with a length of 48–60 cm (19–24 in), a wingspan of 127–145 cm (50–57 in) and a weight of 530–782 g (1.2-1.8 lb). Adult birds have black legs, and a long thick red-orange bill with a small black tip. They have a white head with a black cap and white neck, belly and tail. The upper wings and back are pale grey; the underwings are pale with dark primary feathers. In flight, the tail is less forked than other terns and wing tips black on the underside. In winter, the black cap is still present (unlike many other terns), but with some white streaking on the forehead. The call is a loud heron-like croak.
Topsail Island
Thanks, Toshimi, Ian, Carol and Janson. And thanks for your good eye, Liam. I spent some time looking at the various terns and thought I had this one right. Your detailed notes are helpful.
Maria, Maria, Maria! HA! You did it! WOW! Amazing photos. So perfect. Congrats!!!!! I love the series. FANTASTIC!
The large, blood-red bill makes it a Caspian. Royal's bills are more of a pumpkin orange. Royal and Caspian Terns molt differently. The Royal's crown is much more pale due to molting those feathers at the same time. Caspians molt their forehead feathers in spots, so the forehead and superlora area will appear mottled like this.
The black tip on the bill is not always noticeable on some birds.
Spotted on Sep 5, 2012
Submitted on Sep 22, 2012
+1
