Caspian Tern

Sterna caspia

Caspian Terns are the only large terns likely to be seen on inland waters, including within South Dakota.  Less sociable than many terns, they are often seen singly or in small groups.  Known for their aggressive feeding tactics, Caspian Terns won't hesitate to steal a catch from another bird, or raid a nesting colony for eggs and young birds.  Young of the species are dependent upon their parents for a much longer period of time than most other terns and gulls, and can still be seen begging parents for food in mid-winter.

Habitat: Prefers large expanses of water, including coastlines, large lakes, reservoirs, and large rivers.

Diet: Primarily feeds on fish.  They often focus on just one or two primary prey species, which vary from location to location.  They will also feed on large insects, eggs and young birds, and occasionally crustaceans or mollusks.

Behavior: Feeds by plunging into the water for prey after spotting it in flight.  Very aggressive, they will often steal food from other bird species.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Only a very rare breeder in South Dakota.  Breeding Bird Survey map unavailable.

Song: Caspian Tern Song

Migration: Summers along coastlines and in widely scattered inland locations throughout Canada and the United States.  Inland birds move to coastlines in the winter, and wintering birds can be found southward through northern South America.

Similar Species: In South Dakota, somewhat similar to Common Tern and Forster's Tern, but large size and heavy bill make it quite distinctive.

Status: Numbers are generally stable.  There are some indications that it is increasing in both range and in numbers.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Caspian Tern

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Caspian Tern"

3) eNature.com: Caspian Tern

Photo Information: February 13th, 2008 - Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Caspian Tern photos.