Bird · GBIF taxon 2481236
Caspian Tern
Hydroprogne caspiaCaspian Terns are the world's largest terns, with broad wings, a shallowly forked tail, and a heavy red bill tipped dark. Their hoarse calls and powerful headfirst dives distinguish them from smaller, more delicate terns.
seabirdfish huntercolonial nester
Licensed referenceMdf / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- small fish
- crustaceans
- aquatic insects
Predators
- gulls
- eagles
- foxes
ThreatsDisturbance at colonies, changing water levels, contaminants, fishing line, and loss of nesting sites
HabitatsCoasts, estuaries, large lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and open nesting islands
Life spanA long-lived bird that commonly survives more than ten years and may exceed twenty
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLaridae
- SpeciesHydroprogne caspia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Give nesting colonies ample space and never force adults into flight.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for a massive red bill, black cap, and broad gull-like wings.
- Watch: Follow hovering birds as they fold their wings into steep fishing dives.
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