Royal Tern
Royal Tern
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The Royal Tern is a large, striking seabird with a shaggy black crest and a prominent orange-red bill. It is a highly social and vocal species, often found in large colonies along tropical and subtropical coasts. This powerful flyer is a skilled plunge-diver, feeding on fish.
Where to spot
Found along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North and South America, and the west coast of Africa. Inhabits sandy beaches, estuaries, barrier islands, and offshore islands.
How to spot
Look for its large size, shaggy black crest (often reduced to patchy black in non-breeding), bright orange-red bill, pale grey upperparts, and white underparts. Observe its strong, direct flight and powerful plunge-dives for fish. Listen for its loud, harsh calls.
When to spot
Resident year-round in warmer parts of its range, migratory in northern regions, arriving in spring (March-April) for breeding. Best observed during the breeding season (May-July) in North America. Easily seen any time of year along coasts.
Where to spot
Found along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North and South America, and the west coast of Africa. Inhabits sandy beaches, estuaries, barrier islands, and offshore islands.
How to spot
Look for its large size, shaggy black crest (often reduced to patchy black in non-breeding), bright orange-red bill, pale grey upperparts, and white underparts. Observe its strong, direct flight and powerful plunge-dives for fish. Listen for its loud, harsh calls.
When to spot
Resident year-round in warmer parts of its range, migratory in northern regions, arriving in spring (March-April) for breeding. Best observed during the breeding season (May-July) in North America. Easily seen any time of year along coasts.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Royal Terns are known for their spectacular courtship displays, which involve elaborate aerial chases and fish offerings between mates.
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