Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

Diet

Eats almost exclusively fish; rarely takes insects and crayfish. The Caspian tern scans the water’s surface for fish as it flies. It will hover before diving and plunging into the water.

Habitat

Found along coastlines, rivers, and lakes at other times of the year. Breeds in a variety of habitats near water, including salt marshes, barrier islands, and river islands.

Nesting

Builds a scrape nest in the ground, often lined with sticks and other debris. Lays 2-3 eggs, and incubation is 26-28 days.

Did you know?

The largest breeding colony of this species is on an artificial island in the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. More than 6,000 pairs breed there each year.