A bulky, chunky tern of Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Alternate Adult has silvery-gray wings, short white tail, white underparts, long black legs, black cap and nape, and thick, blunt, black bill. Basic Adult has white head with small black patch behind eye. Juvenile has very faint patterning on back and wings.

Length: 36 (cm) Wingspan: 86 (cm)

Voice:

Nasal, raspy notes; juvenile's beg is a thin, high whistle.

Habitat:

Beaches, sand and gravel areas, estuaries, marshes, river mouths, and coastlines.

Behavior:

Nests in sand or gravel. Somewhat more solitary than other terns.

Feeding:

Picks food from mudflats and water's surface; does not dive. Eats a variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles, even other birds' chicks.