Forster's Tern
Sterna forsteri
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<birdfyi-bird slug="sterna-forsteri"></birdfyi-bird>The Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) is a bird species in the family Laridae (gulls & terns), within the order Charadriiformes (shorebirds & gulls). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 50.5 cm and a weight of 151.2 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
Forster's Tern, 33–36 cm, breeds in interior North American marshes and winters along both US coasts and into Mexico. Distinctive frosted silver upperparts and orange-based bill. In non-breeding plumage, shows a black eye-mask. Piscivore; hovers and plunge-dives in coastal bays and lagoons.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 50.5 cm | 19.9 in |
| Weight | 151.25 g | 5.34 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 23-26 days.
Clutch Size
2-3
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls) |
| Family | Laridae (Gulls & Terns) |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | Sterna forsteri |
Distribution
Forster's Tern has been recorded in 5 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Forster's Tern endangered?
How does the Forster's Tern nest?
How big is the Forster's Tern?
What order and family does the Forster's Tern belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Laridae family