Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)

Description: Although Caspian terns are not residents at Haystack Rock, it is common to see them migrating in the spring and fall. A relative of gulls, Caspian terns have a similar body shape to gulls but their wings are more angular. They are mostly white and light gray, with a black cap on the top of their heads and on their wing tips. One of the most defining features of Caspian terns is their loud dinosaur like squawk. They make noise as they fly over Haystack, and visitors often hear them before they see them.   

Habitat: Caspian terns live year round along the coast of Southern California, Baja California, Mexico, and the Gulf of Mexico. They migrate North for breeding season to small patches in the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes and Canada.

Nesting: This species of tern prefers to build nest “scrapes” in open sandy or gravely areas. Pairs lay 1 to 3 eggs and both parents incubate for 20 to 22 days. Chicks stay in or near nest for about a month until the learn to fly. Fledglings often stay with parents for up to 8 months.

Diet: Caspian terns’ diet is primarily fish. They hunt by plunging into the water mid-flight or skimming the surface as they fly by.

Tide Pool Tidbits:

• The largest Caspian tern breeding colony in the world is on and island in the Columbia river.

• Caspian terns are very territorial of their colonies and will chase other birds and people away if they get to close.

Reference: The Cornell Lab, Audubon