Species BirdsSandwich Tern

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

UncommonBird
Illustration of Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)

The Sandwich Tern is a large, crested tern of Atlantic and Gulf Coasts named after Sandwich, England. The black bill with a distinctive yellow tip is diagnostic among North American terns. It nests in large colonies on barrier islands alongside Royal Terns. In winter the black cap develops a white forehead.

Habitat
Coastal barrier islands, beaches, and offshore waters of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts
Diet
Fish caught by plunge-diving from heights
How common
Uncommon

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