Breeds on coastal and tundra habitats. Spends most of its life at sea over the open ocean. Nests in colonies on beaches and rocky shores.
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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Arctic Tern
鸣唱
A sharp, grating 'kree-yah' alarm call. Also gives 'kik-kik-kik' near the nest. Highly aggressive vocally during the Arctic breeding season. Calls are harsh and insistent.
Caspian Tern
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Geographic Range & Migration
Arctic Tern
Breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. Migrates to the Antarctic, experiencing two summers per year. Found on every ocean.
Caspian Tern
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Conservation Status Comparison
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保护状况
Least Concern
Arctic Tern
Least Concern
Caspian Tern
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Arctic Tern
羽毛
Pale grey upperparts, white underparts with a black cap. Blood-red bill and short red legs. Deeply forked tail streamers. Winter adults lose the full black cap.
喙
Slender, pointed, bright red bill
Caspian Tern
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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Caspian Tern is the world's largest tern, 48–56 cm, wingspan 127–140 cm, with a massive blood-red bill. Found on all continents except Antarctica. Plunge-dives powerfully for large fish in coastal and freshwater habitats. Migratory; northern populations winter in the tropics. Loud, rasping call.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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