(Sterna caspia)
19 - 23 inches

photograph © James F. Parnell

Status: No special status in North Carolina.

Identification: Caspian terns are the largest of the North American terns and similar in appearance to the Royal Tern. This crested tern retains its full black cap throughout the year. The bill is heavier than that of the Royal Tern and is reddish rather than orange. The tail is not as deeply forked as the Royal Tern.

Nesting Habitat: Caspian Terns nest on barrier beaches, natural islands and shoals and dredged-material islands where there is a substrate of sand or shell and little or no vegetation.

Breeding Biology: Very little is known about the breeding biology of Caspian Terns in North Carolina. They often nest singly or in small colonies, usually in the vicinity of other tern species. Timing and initiation of nesting activities is similar to that of the Royal Tern. Caspian Tern nests are shallow depressions in the sand, often lined with shell fragments. The females lay two to three eggs. Eggs average are similar in color and appearance to those of Royal Terns, but markings are not as distinct. Incubation requires 20 days, and chicks fledge at four to five weeks of age. North Carolina colony sites are occupied from April to August.

Food: Caspian Terns feed almost entirely on small fish.

State Nesting Population: Stable, approximately 30 nesting pairs.

Major Threats: Human disturbances at nesting sites.

Waterbirds:
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Last Revision 5/21/98