Nonbreeding adult © Christoph Moning eBird S12589973 Macaulay Library ML 69999571
Breeding adult © Denny Swaby
Nonbreeding adult © County Lister Brendan
Nonbreeding adult © Dorian Anderson
Immature © Etienne Artigau🦩
+ 8
Juvenile © S. K. Jones
Breeding adult © Mary Catherine Miguez
Breeding adult © Patrick Maurice
Juvenile © Daniel Irons
Molting adult © Chezy Yusuf
Immature © Matthew Addicks
Flock © Dave Spier

Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus

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Identification

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Large tern, found strictly in coastal areas. Feeds in open ocean and saltwater bays, where it flies high above the water looking for small fish. Rests on beaches, often in groups with other species. Separated from many terns by large size; only slightly smaller than Caspian. Look for the thinner orange bill (usually not deep red) and shaggier crest compared with Caspian. Also, forehead whiter than Caspian Tern in the nonbreeding season; this can show as early as midsummer.

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