Caspian Tern

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Foreshore, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_0252 20200517 - CLICK for another 20231005.

Notes: World's largest tern. Adults are pale w. black legs, & a massive red-orange bill often w. a
small black tip. Breeding plumage: a black cap w. short crest. Upper wings & back are pale grey;
the underwings are pale w. dark primary feathers. In non-breeding plumage the black cap is still
present (unlike many other terns), but w. much white streaking on forehead. Call is a loud heron-
like croak. Plunge-dives for fish prey. Occurs in sheltered coastal waters, inland water bodies.

Range from Morcombe & Stewart^©(modified)

Foreshore, Elim Beach, Cook, CYP, FNE Qld IMG_8575 20201006 - breeding plumage x 2, Crested Tern on left.

Foreshore, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_0018 20200728 - non-breeding plumage

Foreshore, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_2809 20180522 - non-breeding plumage x 2 w. Australian Terns.

Foreshore, Cairns North, Qld IMG_0932 20231106- note: only tern w. wholly dark undersides to outer primaries.
CLICK for one in breeding plumage 20200828.

Foreshore, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_1413 20230920 - non-breeding plumage with a fish. CLICK for Silver Gull checking it out.

Foreshore, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_7979 20200702 - non-breeding plumage; w. Grey-tailed Tattler in back.

Foreshore, Elim Beach, CYP, FNE Qld IMG_8403 20201005 - breeding plumage, w. Grey Plover & Little Tern. CLICK for non-breeding with Grey-tailed Tattler in back, 20200702

Foreshore, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_8828 20200714 - big wing stretch. CLICK for another bird.

Foreshore, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_5118 20231006 - juvenile begging. CLICK for later.

Cuttaburra Crossing (S of Cunnamulla), C Qld MVI_0503 20170607