Royal Tern (Sterna maxima)

Royal Terns breed along the coast of North Carolina and may be seen there year around. Royal Terns are rarely seen inland except after the passage of hurricanes.
Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Royal Tern (Sterna maxima)
Collier Co., FL
14 Feb 2014

Note orange bill, shaggy black crest, and black legs on this large tern. In winter, forehead becomes whitish.

Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Royal Tern (Sterna maxima)
Collier Co., FL
8 Feb 2014
Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Royal Tern (Sterna maxima)
Collier Co., FL
8 Feb 2014

With Laughing Gulls


Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Royal Tern (Sterna maxima)
Marco Island, Collier Co., FL
31 Dec 2007

Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Ring-billed Gull (left)
Royal Tern (right)

Marco Island, Collier Co., FL
2 Jan 2006


Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Royal Terns (Sterna maxima)
Marco Island, Collier Co., FL
2 Jan 2004

Note a few Ring-billed Gulls, Laughing Gulls, and a Black Skimmer in the flock, too!


Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Royal Terns (Sterna maxima)
Marco Island, Collier Co., FL
29 Dec 2010

Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Royal Terns (Sterna maxima)
Marco Island, Collier Co., FL
29 Dec 2010

Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) Royal Terns (Sterna maxima)
Marco Island, Collier Co., FL
29 Dec 2010


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Created on ... January 6, 2008 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com