Royal Tern, Thalasseus maximus
|
|
![]() The Royal Tern is the largest of the crested terns, genus Thalasseus, and among all terns only the Caspian is larger, distinguished by its blood-red bill and large dark patch on the underwings, as well as its size. The Royal is found in North America along the south Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and the Pacific coast of Southern California. Above, breeding plumage, with an all-black crown, in April in Florida; below, non-breeding plumage, with only the crest black, in December in Baja California. On the Pacific side, the Royal can sometimes be confused with its smaller and narrower-billed cousin, the Elegant Tern. |
|
![]() |
|
![]() Above and below, breeding and non-breeding plumaged Royal Terns in flight. |
|
![]() | |
![]() | |
![]() An orange-billed Royal Tern is flanked by two clearly smaller Forster's Terns, all three in non-breeding plumage. See another comparison picture of a Royal Tern, this one with an American Oystercatcher, here. |