ExploreBirds

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

The Caspian Tern is a large, elegant bird with a sharp beak and a striking black cap on its head. It loves to fish and can often be seen diving into the water to catch its meals.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Caspian Tern is the world's largest tern, easily recognized by its robust body and massive, bright red-orange bill. It sports a sleek black cap during breeding season, contrasting with its pale grey back and white underparts, making it stand out from smaller, daintier tern species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusHydroprogne
Caspian Tern
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Caspian Tern

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Caspian Terns can spot tiny fish swimming from high in the sky!

Their massive orange bill looks just like a giant carrot!

These smart terns dig shallow scrapes in sandy ground for their nests!

They sometimes steal fish from other birds like gulls after a chase!

Special abilities

Ability

Plunge-Diving Pro

Caspian Tern can plunge-dive from high in the air to snatch fish because of its specialized vision and powerful muscles, helping them catch speedy prey.

Ability

Migration Navigator

Caspian Tern can navigate thousands of kilometers during migration because of its innate sense of direction and strong wings, helping them find food-rich wintering grounds.

Ability

Loud Barking Call

Caspian Tern has a deep, barking call that helps them communicate loudly across noisy colonies and over vast open waters.

Measurements & details

Length
48-61 cm
Wingspan
127-140 cm
Weight
0.53-0.78 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
1-3
Incubation
26-28 days
Migration Distance
10000 km

Diet & Feeding

Caspian Terns are expert fish-catchers, diving headfirst to snatch their slippery prey from the water!

Primary Foods

  • Perch
  • Herring
  • Smelt
  • Sticklebacks
  • Flounder

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a bird like this, watch it from a distance so it feels safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Caspian Tern?

48-61 cm

What is Caspian Tern's wingspan?

127-140 cm

How much does Caspian Tern weigh?

0.53-0.78 kg

How long does Caspian Tern live?

15-20 years

How fast can Caspian Tern move?

70 km/h

What does Caspian Tern eat?

Caspian Terns are expert fish-catchers, diving headfirst to snatch their slippery prey from the water!

Where is Caspian Tern usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Caspian Tern hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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