Gull Like

Caspian Tern

Sterna caspia
Caspian Tern thumbnail
Length: 21 in. (53 cm )
Always associated with water, this large tern can be seen on river beaches, over lakes and marshes, or along the ocean throughout the world. It feeds on fish and crustaceans captured by diving headfirst into the water. Breeding colonies are on beaches and grassy hummocks near the water, and the nest is on the sand with some moss or grass. Parents continue to feed the young after they leave the nest for up to 7 months.

The four-digit banding code is CATE.

Male | Doug Backlund



Marsh / swamp

Open water
Download Sound
Bird Sound Type: Croaking
Sex of Bird: Male
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You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Caspian Tern
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: April 18, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/caspian-tern

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Caspian Tern. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved April 18, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/caspian-tern

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Caspian Tern". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/caspian-tern

For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/04/

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Caspian Tern". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 18 Apr 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/caspian-tern

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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