Largest tern in the world. Thick, bright-red bill is distinctive. Note solid black cap in summer, which turns to black streaks in winter. Feeds by cruising over lakes, rivers, estuaries, and reservoirs looking for fish, then plunging to catch them. Smooth wingbeats, more gull-like than choppy flight of small-bodied terns. Very vocal, giving loud raucous screams.
Sign in to see your stats
Choose a region to view Weekly Bar Chart
Your Online Guide To Birds And Bird Watching
Comprehensive life histories of North American breeding birds
Life histories of all species breeding in Mexico, Central America, and South America