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Shore Birds - Range Map

Description: Measuring up to 20 inches in length, the Royal Tern is one of the largest of its family. In breeding plumage, it has a has black cap that extends beyond the head in a shaggy crest, a white body, gray wings and back, and a bright orange bill. The legs are black. In non-breeding plumage, the black cap turns white, but the shaggy crest remains. Males and females are similar.

Diet: The Royal Tern eats fish and shrimp by diving head first into the water.

Range: The Royal Tern breeds along the Atlantic coast from Virginia to Florida, and along the Gulf coast from Florida to Mexico. A few breed along the Pacific coast in southern California. The Royal Tern also breeds in the Caribbean islands, along the northern and eastern coast of South America, and in western Africa. The Royal Tern winters south of Virginia along both coasts in North and South America.

Habitat: Saltwater wetlands such as beachfronts, bays, and coastal areas. Nesting colonies of Royal Terns occur on island beaches.

Status: The Royal Tern is common.