Forster's Tern

Forster's Tern, adult, near breeding plumage

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Forster's Tern, adult non-breeding plumage

Forster's Tern, 1st winter

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

One of several medium-sized terns that appear similar in appearance, the Forster's Tern breeds primarily in marshes and winters along the coasts. The comma-shaped black ear patch in winter plumage is distinctive, but some other plumages are very confusing.

Description

• A medium-sized tern.
• White with black cap.
• Tail long and deeply forked.
• Wings very white in most plumages.
• Legs orange and relatively long.

• Size: 33-36 cm (13-14 in)
• Weight: 130-190 g (4.59-6.71 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike.

Sound

Common call a descending "kerrr." Threat call a harsh "zaar."

Conservation Status

Species of special concern in the Midwestern states because of declines resulting from loss of wetland habitat.

Other Names

Sterne de Forster (French)
Gaviote de Forster, Charran de Forster (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• Forster's Tern is the only tern restricted almost entirely to North America throughout the year.

• Spawning common carp are so vigorous that they can dislodge Forster's Tern eggs from floating nests.

• Forster's and Black terns breed near each other in marshes. Wandering semi-precocial young may account for observations of each species feeding the other's young.

Sources used to construct this page:

McNicholl, M. K., P. E. Lowther, and J. A. Hall. 2001. Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri). In The Birds of North America, No. 595 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.