Life List 091
Visually documented
Caspian Tern
Hydroprogne caspia
- First photographed
- June 27, 2026
- First location
- Utah, United States
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
An evolving study
Caspian Tern portfolio
This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.
Natural history
Species at a glance
Hydroprogne caspia
Overview
The Caspian Tern is the world's largest tern, with a powerful flight and a deep, harsh call. It watches for fish from above and plunges into fresh or salt water to capture them.
Identification
Very large with broad pale wings, a black cap, short slightly forked tail, and a massive red bill usually marked with a dark tip. Nonbreeding adults develop white streaking on the crown.
Range
Scattered breeding populations occur on every continent except Antarctica. In North America it breeds around large inland lakes and coasts and winters mainly along southern coasts and into the tropics.
Habitat
Large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, estuaries, lagoons, bays, beaches, and coastal islands with nearby open nesting sites.
Diet
Mostly fish, with occasional crustaceans, aquatic insects, eggs, and young birds.
Photography by Brittany Templin
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