Caspian Tern

The Caspian Tern is the largest tern in North America, weighing about 0.7 kilograms.
Because of its large size, it exhibits slower, heavier wingbeats more typical of gulls
than of other terns. Terns superficially resemble gulls in body and form, but their
behaviour differs dramatically. They rarely soar in the air, and they are rarely seen
resting on the water. While flying, terns usually have their bills pointed toward the
ground, and their forked tails are usually visible.
The Caspian Tern is a common summer visitor to the Fraser River delta region, with
most observations coming from the mudflats of Boundary Bay, Robert's Bank, the
Tsawwassen ferry terminal and Iona Island. These mudflats and sheltered bays pro-
vide shallow marine waters where Caspian Terns hunt for surface-dwelling prey,
plunging headfirst into water to snatch small fish. Rocky jetties, mudflats, beaches
and sandbars provide roosting habitat. A few pairs nest in the Fraser River delta.

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