Caspian Tern

OVERVIEW

Australia’s largest tern, the Caspian Tern, is easily identified by its large, bright-red, dagger-like bill.

Caspian Ternsforage by plunge-diving into the water from heights of up to 15 metres, grabbing a fish with their massive beak. They are able to take larger fish than any other Australian tern.

They are widespread around virtually the entire Australian coastline, and also occur inland along major rivers, especially in the MurrayDarling and Lake Eyre drainage basins, preferring wetlands with clear water so they can detect their prey.

Scientific name: Hydroprogne caspia Laridae