Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

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3 recent observations

Brief #

Grey upperparts, white underparts, a yellow-tipped black bill and a shaggy black crest which becomes less extensive in winter.

Synonyms #

  • Charrán patinegro (Spanish)
  • Carrán cristado (Galician)

Red List Status #

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

Description #

The Sandwich tern is a medium-large tern with grey upperparts, white underparts, a yellow-tipped black bill and a shaggy black crest which becomes less extensive in winter with a white crown. Its short legs are black. Young birds bear grey and brown scalloped plumage on their backs and wings. It is a vocal bird. It nests in a ground scrape and lays one to three eggs.

Measurements #

Length: 31 - 46 cm
Wingspan: 0.95 - 1.05 m
Weight: 210 - 260 g

Similar species #