adult entering breeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-02-24) |
Royal Tern
Sterna maxima
Native Range: North America, Latin America, and Africa
Notes: similar in behavior and appearance to Elegant Tern but with more robust and slighty straighter bill; plunge-dives for fish; nests in colonies.
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adult in full breeding plumage; black cap (Texas, USA; 2006-04-08)
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pair entering breeding plumage (California, USA; 2006-03-12)
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courting group (California, USA; 2007-02-24)
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juvenile plumage; yellower bill (Florida, USA; 2007-12-21) |
adult in nonbreeding plumage; orange bill(California, USA; 2006-11-24)
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nonbreeder; white on forehead area (California, USA; 2006-11-24)
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note mmoderately forked tail (Florida, USA; 2008-12-29) |
a graceful, agile flyer (Florida, USA; 2008-12-29) |
a graceful, agile flyer (Panama; 2008-06-12) |
group of four birds in non-breeding plumage (Florida, USA; 2012-12-21) |
dorsal view of bird in non-breeding plumage (Florida, USA; 2012-12-21) |
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