Logo Muuuh Nature and Wildlife Documentaries

MUUUH

Nature Documentaries

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)

The Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is the largest tern species, known for its striking appearance and powerful flight. As a rare visitor to Montreal, it can be easily mistaken for the smaller Common Tern, but its larger size and uniformly red beak set it apart.

Parc des Rapides - 2018-08-11
Location: Parc des Rapides
Date: 2018-08-11
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: 300mm f/4.0
Settings: f5.6 • 1/1600 • ISO 110
Focal Length: 420mm

Common Names

🇨🇦Caspian Tern
🇫🇷Sterne caspienne
🇩🇪Raubseeschwalbe
🇲🇽Pagaza piquirroja

Taxonomy

OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyLaridae

Characteristics

Length48-60cm
Weight530-782g
Wingspan127-145cm
Clutch Size1-3 eggs
Incubation25-28 days
Fledging35-45 days
Sexual Maturity2-3 years

Explore More

📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.

Identification and Whereabouts

Unlike the Common Tern, the Caspian Tern's beak is uniformly red, lacking a black tip. This bird is notably larger, and its flight is less erratic and slower as it gracefully sails over the water in search of prey.

I observed this species only once at Parc des Rapides.