The Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) occurs on much of the coastlines of the United States and is our largest tern. The very thick orange-red bill and the dark undersides of the primaries are good field marks to the identification of this large species. The first 2 shots here show an adult standing on the beach near the mouth of the Rio Grande at Boca Chica, Cameron Co., Texas, in April, 2009. |
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The next 3 shots on this page show Caspian Terns in flight at Bolivar Flats, Galveston Co., Texas, in November, 2009. These images were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens. |
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The Caspian Terns in the next five shots were on South Padre Island, Cameron Co., Texas, in December, 2010. These images were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens. The Caspian Tern on the right (with its wings open) is next to a Royal Tern. |
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The Caspian Terns in the next four shots show classic basic (winter) plumage. |
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This shot shows a close up view of the head and bill of a Caspian Tern in basic plumage. |
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By plumage and behavior, the bird in the foreground was a first winter bird, while an adult (perhaps the parent of the younger bird?) is in the background. |
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