Royal Tern

About This Species

A large, elegant tern with a shaggy black crest. Shows an orange bill and graceful flight. Found along Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

Shaggy crest: The distinctive black crest becomes more ragged and shaggy during breeding season.
Plunge diver: Dives headfirst into the water from heights to catch fish.
Colonial nester: Nests in dense colonies on sandy beaches and islands.
Loud calls: Makes loud, harsh 'kree-ree' calls that carry across coastal areas.