nonbreeding adult, as told by white forehead (Florida, USA; 2007-12-21)


Sandwich Tern
Sterna sandvicensis

Native Range: North America, Latin America, Eurasia, and Africa

Notes: a lovely, mid-sized, whitish tern with an exceptionally broad geographic distribution; bill color is the definitive field mark; no sexual dimorphism.


breeding adults, as told by black crown (Texas, USA; 2006-04-08)

whitish bodies; black bill with yellow tip (Texas, USA; 2006-04-08)

one bird (center) in a flock of other larids (Texas, USA; 2006-04-08)

nonbreeder in flight (Florida, USA; 2007-12-21)

mildly forked tail; distinctive bill (Florida, USA; 2007-12-21)

nonbreeder posing for a portrait (Florida, USA; 2007-12-21)