Royal Tern
The Royal Tern, a striking seabird of warm coastal waters, stands out with its bright tangerine bill and distinctive black crest, which fades to a white forehead by late summer. These elegant birds can be seen gliding slowly over shorelines, scanning for small fish they catch with a quick, precise dive. They are highly social, found on undisturbed beaches and saltwater coasts, gathering in colonies and between fishing outings. The Royal Tern’s sharp “ka-rreet!” call is a familiar sound for seashore visitors and a helpful way to spot them.
Their North American populations have remained stable, though declines have been noted in Florida.
Photo Credit: Dan Kon
