Birds of Cuba, Vagrant Visitors, Introduced Birds and Possibilities
Royal Tern
Sterne royale
Thalasseus maximus
Life, Habitat & Pictures of the Royal Tern
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20" 50.8cm | 41" 104.1cm | 1 lb. 453.5g | Laridae | Thalasseus maximus |
- Breeding
- Year Around
- Winter
The Royal Tern has similarities to the Caspian and Elegant Terns. Only the Royal and the Elegant Terns have crested heads, and the Royal has the largest bill between the two. This large tern is seen along the Atlantic coast, westward across the US states to the coastlines of Texas. It is also seen on both coastlines in Mexico and on the Caribbean islands, as well as along the coastlines of the California Baja. It has been seen as a migrant in Cuba.