If you are watching shorebirds in Florida, one of the more common types you are bound to see are terns. Terns are sometimes confused with seagulls due to similar appearance and location. However terns are often described as looking more “athletic” with their slender build, narrow pointed wings and sharp bill. In this article we will talk a little about terns and include photos and descriptions of the five most common terns you will see in Florida.
5 Common Terns in Florida
Terns can be difficult to distinguish because so many of the species look very similar to each other. Another thing that can make tern identification tricky is that adult terns will have slightly different plumage during the breeding season versus the nonbreeding (winter) season. We will point out the most noticeable identifying features for each species in our descriptions below.
Let’s talk terns!
1. Least tern
Scientific name: Sternula antillarum
Length: 8.3 – 9.1 inches
Weight: 1.3 – 1.9 ounces
Wingspan: 18.9 – 20.9 inches
Least terns are the smallest terns in the world. About the size of a large songbird like a mockingbird or blue jay. In their breeding plumage least terns have a slender yellow bill, sometimes with a black tip. They have a solid black cap with white on the forehead. Their back and wings are light gray with black on the outer edge of their primary feathers. Legs are yellow.
During the nonbreeding season, their black cap becomes mottled, especially on the top of the head. Their bill will appear dark rather than bright yellow.
The least tern can be found all along coastal Florida, and even inland areas, during the summer. In the winter you may be able to find them along the southern coast, but many move further south. They nest in colonies along the beach, and often nest near black skimmers and piping plovers. Unfortunately this species has been in decline for many years.
2. Caspian tern
Scientific name: Hydroprogne caspia
Length: 18.5 – 21.3 inches
Weight: 18.7 – 27.6 ounces
Wingspan: 49.6 – 50.4 inches
The adult breeding caspian tern has a reddish-orange bill that is larger and “fatter” than most terns. Usually a black or dusky patch can be seen at the tip of the beak. Their forehead and cap are solid black with a slight crest at the back of the head. Feet and legs are also black or dark.
They are the largest of all terns with a large head, stocky body and thick neck. In flight their tail has a shallow fork, and you can see black on the underside of their primary feathers.
During the nonbreeding season their bill can