Elegant Tern
NameElegant Tern
Common NameElegant Tern
Scientific NameThalasseus elegans
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)78.5
Length (cm)41
Weight (g)230
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black cap extending to the nape, white underparts often with a pale rosy or salmon wash during breeding season, and pale gray upperparts. The bill is long, slender, and bright orange. Legs are black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive, harsh, grating 'kearr' or 'karr-eek' call, often given repeatedly in colonies or during flight.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds primarily on islands and coastal areas of Baja California, Mexico, and southern California, USA. Winters along the Pacific coast from southern California south to Peru and Chile.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slender, bright orange bill, Shaggy black crest (especially prominent in breeding plumage), Pale rosy wash on underparts (breeding), Relatively large size compared to other terns in its range
Description
The Elegant Tern is a medium-sized tern characterized by its slender body, long wings, and a deeply forked tail. It has a distinctive shaggy black crest and a long, slender orange bill, often with a yellowish tip. These birds are highly social, forming dense colonies for breeding and foraging primarily on small fish.
