Shorebirds
Royal Tern
Large tern with shaggy black crest and sharp orange bill
Royal Terns are graceful coastal birds often seen flying along beaches or diving into the surf for fish. Their long wings, bright orange bill, and shaggy crest make them easy to recognize. They often gather in flocks on sandbars and open beaches.
How to Identify a Royal Tern
Large pale tern with black crest and thick orange bill.
Where You’ll See Them
Beaches, sandbars, coastal lagoons, and nearshore waters.
What They Eat
Fish caught by plunge-diving into the water.
When to Spot Them
Common year-round in warmer coastal regions.
Fun Facts
They often drop fish before swallowing them headfirst.
Beach Etiquette Tip
Keep distance from resting flocks on sandbars.
Related Shorebirds
Sandwich Tern
Least Tern
Common Tern
