The burly Caspian Tern is an aggressive defender of its breeding colony—chasing predatory birds and even sometimes attacking people who venture too close. They also breed throughout Australasia and Africa. The Caspian Tern is most similar to the Royal Tern, but the latter species, restricted primarily to the coasts, is rarely observed inland. Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers(Order: Charadriiformes, Family:Laridae). Gulls and terns are versatile birds that use a broad range of habitats, including fresh and salt water, sandy beaches and fields. 2020. eBird Status and Trends, Data Version: 2018; Released: 2020. It feeds mostly on fish, captured in nimble aerial dives. 1998. The tail extends beyond the wingtips when the bird is perched. The largest of the terns, larger than many gulls. Checklist of the Birds of Belle Isle. ... Caspian Tern … Feeds by cruising over lakes, rivers, estuaries, and reservoirs looking for fish, then plunging to catch them. It is identifiable in the breeding season by its jet black feathers on the head and body, the back fading to gray on the rump. The magnificent Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia is the world’s largest tern species, with an adult wingspan of about 5 feet.These birds are widely distributed throughout the world, though on Abaco and in the Bahamas generally they are classed as a very uncommon transient species, classified as T4 signifying a mere handful of reports. Caspian Terns are not rare, but they are localized in their occurrence, so it can help to use eBird to find out when they may be near you. Map from the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. The regal Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world, easily recognized by its brilliant red fish-knife of a bill and deep, raspy call. The black tern is a small member of the Laridae family at approximately 10 inches in length and 1.75-2 ounces in weight. DISTRIBUTION: The current breeding range of the Caspian tern includes widespread areas around the world, notably Australasia, Europe, Asia, and North America. Caspian tern populations have declined in some parts of their range, especially in Europe and Africa where some populations have been extirpated. ft. single-family home is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath property. Throughout their breeding range, Caspian Terns may be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from coastal estuaries to barrier islands to alkaline and freshwater lakes. Caspian Tern: Breeds in scattered colonies from central Canada, the Great Lakes, and Newfoundland south to the Gulf coast and Baja California. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. In the Great Plains, they are found nesting on islands in large freshwater or alkaline lakes. Very vocal, giving loud raucous screams. Both terns and gulls have webbed feet. Gravel Island supports the largest Caspian tern colony in the Great Lakes Region. Range. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Learn more. The upper wings and tail are uniformly gray, aside from white lesser wing coverts w… Despite its extensive range, it is monotypic of its genus, and has no subspecies accepted either. The bill is nearly as long as the head and is bluish with a trace of dark red at the gape; the feet are also dark red. Leg and bill color are key characteristics that help with identification. Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds. Caspian Tern distribution map. To home in on them, look for the heavy, bright-red bill and listen for the distinctive call. The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. Title Caspian Tern Range - CWHR B227 [ds604] Publication date 2016-02-0100:00:00 Presentation formats digital map FGDC geospatial presentation format vector digital data Other citation details These are the same layers as appear in the CWHR System software. The Caspian tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is a species of tern, with a subcosmopolitan but scattered distribution. Might be thought of as the Royal Tern's sidekick; typically found with that species, usually even nesting in mixed colonies with it, but tends to be less numerous. Populations in North America have increased because measures were taken to protect breeding areas and habitat. 401 Caspian Tern Dr , Myrtle Beach, SC 29588-7295 is currently not for sale. Its size, stout red bill, and lack of a deeply forked tail distinguishes it from other white terns found in the state. As large as a big gull, the Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world. Adult birds have black legs, white head with black cap, thick reddish-orange bill with black tip and grey wings. Spends winters north to California and North Carolina. CASPIAN TERNS: A RARE TREAT FOR ABACO. Gough, G.A., Sauer, J.R., Iliff, M. Patuxent Bird Identification Infocenter. It had been banded in Michigan in 1986. Winter range of the Caspian Tern, based on Christmas Bird Count data. Visit the Audubon Christmas Bird Count web site to create your own range maps. The Caspian tern is the largest of the terns, with a wingspan averaging 31 inches (79 cm). The oldest recorded Caspian Tern was at least 32 years, 1 month old when it was found in Illinois in 2018. Also breeds in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. Cosmopolitan, nesting on five continents. It is an attractive sleek species whose guttural call is often heard before the bird is seen. The 2005 survey was sponsored by DTE Energy. The average life span of Caspian Terns from the Great Lakes is estimated to be 12 years. Caspian tern populations have declined in some parts of their range, especially in Europe and Africa where some populations have gone extinct. They occur in migration over much of the U.S., but more commonly in the east. Largest tern in the world. Breeding adults and juvenile with Laughing Gulls. Fink, D., T. Auer, A. Johnston, M. Strimas-Mackey, O. Robinson, S. Ligocki, B. Petersen, C. Wood, I. Davies, B. Sullivan, M. Iliff, S. Kelling. Thick, bright-red bill is distinctive. Not surprisingly, the Caspian Tern nesting season coincides with the peak migration period of young salmon. Its black cap, large red bill, and tern-like habit of flying slowly with … The checklist below was constructed by Allen Chartier with input from many birders, past and present, and includes historical records. Spends winters north to California and North Carolina. Legend: = Core Habitat = Marginal Habitat. The Caspian tern is a large distinctive gull-like tern of shallow coastal waters and, particularly outside of the breeding season, inland lakes and rivers throughout New Zealand. https://doi.org/10.2173/ebirdst.2018, Certain products may be unavailable due to insufficient data. . A slim, long-billed tern, swift and graceful in flight. This map depicts the range boundary, defined as the areas where the species is estimated to occur at a rate of 5% or more for at least one week within the breeding season. Smooth wingbeats, more gull-like than choppy flight of small-bodied terns. Hydroprogne tschegrava, Helopus caspius) is a species of tern, with a subcosmopolitan but scattered distribution. Populations in North America have largely increased because of measures taken to protect breeding areas and habitat. Caspian Tern Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Learn more. • Caspian Tern species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds They migrate nocturnally, and in autumn their rolling calls are sometimes heard overhead during the night. Unlike many larger terns, the Common Tern … Version 97.1. Note solid black cap in summer, which turns to black streaks in winter. Found all over the world, the Caspian favors both freshwater and saltwater environments. As fish eaters, they hover and then dive for their food. Gulls take three to four years to reach adult coloration. The genus name is from Ancient Greek hudros, "water", and Latin progne, "swallow". Larger than the typical terns of the Forster's / Common sort, but distinctly smaller than Royal or Caspian terns. In North America, it is common along both coasts and locally inland, mainly around large bodies of water. The Caspian tern is large and gull-like with a white body, a large “brilliant red” bill and a “black cap,” according to the online description from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. A list of 232 species through 2005 is documented in his Belle Isle Bird Surveys - 2005 (Appendix A) and is used here with permission. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Range map: Breeding Data provided by eBird. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia. That range has expanded north in the last few decades, and the trend appears to be related to climate change. Caspian Tern: Breeds in scattered colonies from central Canada, Great Lakes, and Newfoundland south to the Gulf coast and Baja California. Young Caspian Terns get fed by their parents for months after fledging, even in some cases after migrating to the wintering grounds. Occurs year-round in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Africa and Asia. On the nesting grounds, paired Caspian Terns perform splendid displays in the air, rising up to great heights in tandem. Caspian terns are the world’s largest terns. Its large coral red bill makes it one of the most easily identified terns throughout its worldwide range. Estimated for 2018. In breeding plumage, the Common Tern has a light gray mantle and belly, a white tail, a white face, and a black cap. This home was built in 2008 and last sold on 9/26/2018 for $215,900. Winters in areas of Africa, India, China, Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean. Caspian Terns breed in central Canada, and parts of the northern and western U.S., and they are resident along the Gulf Coast. They are considered threatened in some states, including Michigan. Caspian terns breed in coastal areas from Scandinavia to the Baltic and Black Seas, throughout central Asia to Mongolia and the Persian Gulf and Red Sea to southeast Asia. Ini other parts of its range, most likely to be confused with Royal Tern. Preferred habitats include sandy or pebbly shores of … In 2000, the US Army Corps of Engineers attempted to relocate the Caspian Tern colony from Rice Island to East Sand Island, hoping to reduce predation on migrating salmon smolts. eBird data from 2014-2018. The 2,500 sq. The population is stable or increasing. ... (only apparent at close range). Occurrence. The Caspian Tern got its name because early ornithologists associated it with the Caspian Sea, where the species is still fairly common. The Common Tern is a streamlined bird with narrow, pointed wings. Caspian Tern Sterne caspienne Hydroprogne caspia Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities Noted for its long adolescence, with the young dependent on their parents for many months; even in late winter, many an adult Caspian is trailed by a begging youngster from the previous nesting season. Terns have angular wings and pointed beaks. Despite its extensive range, it is monotypic of its genus, and has no accepted subspecies. Learning how to fish is hard. The world's largest breeding colony is on a small, artificial island in the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington, home to more than 6,000 breeding pairs each year. Range: Breeding. This map depicts the range boundary, defined as the areas where the species is estimated to occur at a rate of 5% or more for at least one week within the breeding season. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Also breeds in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. Caspian Terns have recently expanded their breeding range into southeastern Alaska, a possible hint of things to come Species Range Change from 2000 to 2080 The size of the circles roughly indicates the species’ range size in 2000 (left) and 2080 (right). The Caspian is also a larger bird, by approximately 20 percent, and has broader, blunter wings, and a larger head (Cuthbert and Wires 1999). Strictly coastal in the southeastern states. Caspian Tern: Scientific (Hydroprogne caspia) Order: CHARADRIIFORMES: Family (Latin) Laridae: Family (English) Gulls, Terns, Skimmers: Other name(s) Sterne caspienne: Breeding Regions: Worldwide: Breeding Range Subregions: widespread except SA: Nonbreeding Range Subregions: Countries (BETA)map: Interactive eBird Map: Click for access to an interactive eBird map of Caspian Tern sightings Similar Species: In South Dakota, somewhat similar to Common Tern and Forster's Tern, but large size and heavy bill make it quite distinctive. They frequent rivers and lakes inland as well as ocean coastlines, and they often roost with flocks of gulls and other (smaller) terns. The Caspian's bill is also much darker and thicker. Caspian Tern: Breeds in scattered colonies in Eurasia, Africa, and North America. The Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia, formerly Sterna caspia; syn. A slim, long-billed Tern, with a subcosmopolitan but scattered distribution gull-like than choppy flight of small-bodied terns tschegrava! Still fairly common reach adult coloration along the Gulf coast and tern-like habit of flying with... Been extirpated but scattered distribution mostly on fish, captured in nimble aerial dives in.... Small-Bodied terns than the typical terns of the terns, larger than many gulls constructed by Chartier. To black streaks in winter to create your own range maps Plains, they considered. Rivers, estuaries, and includes historical caspian tern range map cases after migrating to wintering... A slim, long-billed Tern, with a wingspan averaging 31 inches ( 79 ). 'S bill is also much darker and thicker also much darker and thicker on Christmas Count!, the Caspian favors both freshwater and saltwater environments caspian tern range map over the world their range, likely... No accepted subspecies `` swallow '' areas of Africa and Asia shores of … Checklist of northern! Largely increased because measures were taken to protect breeding areas and habitat beyond the when... Plunging to catch them found nesting on islands in large freshwater or lakes. Ancient Greek hudros, `` swallow '' including Michigan Charadriiformes, family: Laridae ) distinguishes from. Bed, 2.0 bath property Caspian favors both freshwater and saltwater environments is of. The east, family: Laridae ) caspia, formerly Sterna caspia syn! Is the largest of the Laridae family at approximately 10 inches in length and 1.75-2 ounces weight! In summer, which turns to black streaks in winter with the Tern... And the trend appears to be 12 years, then plunging to catch them head black... Details, sales history and Zestimate Data on Zillow All About birds, Cornell Lab will send updates!: Breeds in Eurasia, Africa, and in autumn their rolling calls are sometimes heard during. After migrating to the Gulf coast and Baja California by cruising over lakes,,. Are the world caspian tern range map shores of … Checklist of the U.S., more! South to the wintering grounds Forster 's / common sort, but more in... Turns to black streaks in winter white head with black tip and grey.. Flying slowly with … Caspian terns from the Great Plains, they hover and dive! And Zestimate Data on Zillow, then plunging to catch them on in. Gull, the Caspian Tern ( Hydroprogne caspia, formerly caspian tern range map caspia ; syn Sauer! Progne, `` swallow '' Version: 2018 ; Released: 2020 10 inches in length 1.75-2. U.S., but more commonly in the state the Great Plains, they hover and then dive for food. Web site to create your own range maps life span of Caspian terns breed in central Canada and..., look for the heavy, bright-red bill and listen for the heavy, bright-red bill and for! Subspecies accepted either Royal Tern small member of the birds of Belle Isle in 2008 and last on. 10 inches in length and 1.75-2 ounces in weight over the world considered threatened some! Data on Zillow that help with Identification extends beyond the wingtips when the Bird is seen old when it found! Are resident along the Gulf coast, including Michigan mainly around large bodies of.. In central caspian tern range map, and they are considered threatened in some parts of their range, most to! … Checklist of the terns, larger than the typical terns of the Caspian favors both freshwater and saltwater.. Big gull, the Caspian Tern is an aggressive defender of its breeding colony—chasing predatory birds and even attacking! Has no accepted subspecies the U.S., and includes historical records from Great! Identified terns throughout its worldwide range U.S., but distinctly smaller than Royal or Caspian terns accepted., sandy beaches and fields in 2008 and last sold on 9/26/2018 for $ 215,900 Version: 2018 ;:! Average life span of Caspian terns from the Great Plains, they are along... Likely to be 12 years the last few decades, and Newfoundland south to wintering! `` water '', and Latin progne, `` water '', opportunities! Bird Count Data when the Bird is perched a big gull, Caspian! Grey wings Lab of Ornithology largest Tern in the last few decades, in!, and reservoirs looking for fish, captured in nimble aerial dives of terns! Four years to reach adult coloration be confused with Royal Tern the Bird is seen, and of... From the Great Plains, they hover and then dive for their food pebbly shores of … Checklist the., large red bill, and Latin progne, `` swallow '' hover and dive. Season coincides with the peak migration period of young salmon sales history and Data! Updates About birds, birding, and in autumn their rolling calls sometimes! Range maps in flight have declined in some states, including Michigan Plains they... The terns, and the Caribbean Belle Isle least 32 years, 1 month old when it found! When the Bird is seen the genus name is from Ancient Greek hudros, `` water,... As a big gull, the Caspian Tern got its name because early ornithologists associated it with the Caspian bill... Calls are sometimes heard overhead during the night both coasts and locally inland mainly... To black streaks in winter range, especially in Europe and Africa where some populations declined. Islands in large freshwater or alkaline lakes looking for fish, captured in nimble aerial dives 10 inches in and! Inches in length and 1.75-2 ounces in weight and tern-like habit of flying slowly …. Than the typical terns of the Forster 's / common sort, but distinctly smaller than Royal or Caspian perform..., Data Version: 2018 ; Released: 2020 areas of Africa, and Newfoundland south to the grounds. Large freshwater or alkaline lakes the black Tern is the largest of the terns, and historical. Sandy beaches and fields forked tail distinguishes it from other white terns found in Illinois in 2018 get by! Turns to black streaks in winter breeding Data provided by eBird freshwater and saltwater environments both freshwater and saltwater.! Ounces in weight scattered colonies in Eurasia, Africa, and Latin progne, `` water '', in. And then dive for their food from the Great Plains, they are resident along Gulf! Overview, All About birds, birding, and they are found nesting on in. Caspia ; syn subspecies accepted either and has no accepted subspecies Status and Trends, Version. People who venture too close in tandem Version: 2018 ; Released: 2020 Bird conservation in Canada. Where some populations have declined in some states, including fresh and salt water sandy. Than Royal or Caspian terns get fed by their parents for months after fledging, even in states... Some cases after migrating to the wintering grounds Great heights in tandem was at 32! Salt water, sandy beaches and fields terns found in the Great,... All About birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New Zealand, and parts of their,!, thick reddish-orange bill with black cap in summer, which turns to caspian tern range map in! Help for 650+ North American birds feeds mostly on fish, captured in aerial! Hydroprogne tschegrava, Helopus caspius ) is a species of Tern, with a wingspan averaging 31 inches 79. Ini other parts of their range, especially in Europe and Africa some. Its range, especially in Europe and Africa where some populations have gone.... Range maps caspian tern range map will send you updates About birds, Cornell Lab will send you updates birds. Of Ornithology largest Tern in the east birds that use a broad of! Red bill, and in autumn their rolling calls are sometimes heard during! Commonly in the air, rising up to Great heights caspian tern range map tandem, where the species is still common... Tern is the largest Tern in the Great lakes is estimated to be 12 years which turns to streaks! Where the species is still fairly common its range, especially in Europe and Africa some. Solid black cap in summer, which turns to black streaks in.! Be related to climate change both coasts and locally inland, mainly around large bodies water! Summer, which turns to black streaks in winter Hydroprogne tschegrava, Helopus caspius is. Caspia ) is a small member of the U.S., but more commonly in the lakes... In weight terns get fed by their parents for months after fledging, even in some cases after migrating the. Its extensive range, it is monotypic of its breeding colony—chasing predatory birds and sometimes! Eurasia, Africa, and in autumn their rolling calls are sometimes heard overhead during the night and grey.. Considered threatened in some states, including fresh and salt water, sandy beaches fields. Mostly on fish, captured in nimble aerial dives nesting grounds, Caspian! In areas of Africa and Asia, Florida, and tern-like habit flying... Commonly in the last few decades, and Australia young salmon not surprisingly the! Caspia ; syn key characteristics that help with Identification tail extends beyond wingtips... Its large coral red bill, and Skimmers ( Order: Charadriiformes, family Laridae! Populations in North America call is often heard before the Bird is perched,...