Sandwich Tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis


Sandwich Tern
The Sandwich Tern breeds along the Gulf Coast, and nests in colonies with its close relative, the Royal Tern. An even closer relative is the  Elegant Tern of the Pacific Coast; these three species are the North American representatives of the crested terns, genus Thalasseus. The Sandwich is readily distinguished from the other two by its distinctive black bill with a yellow tip.  


Sandwich Tern


Sandwich Tern
Above, a Sandwich Tern in non-breeding plumage; the other images on this page show the breeding plumage.



Sandwich Terns