Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

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Brief #

Pale grey upperparts and white underparts. Its legs are red and its bill is red, tipped with black.

Synonyms #

  • Charrán de Forster (Spanish)

Red List Status #

The Forster's Tern is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

It is most similar to the common tern. It has pale grey upperparts and white underparts. Its legs are red and its bill is red, tipped with black. In winter, the forehead becomes white and a characteristic black eye mask remains. Juvenile Forster's terns are similar to the winter adult.

Measurements #

Length: 33 - 36 cm
Wingspan: 64 - 70 cm
Weight: 130 - 190 g

Similar species #