Family: Laridae, Gulls and Terns view all from this family

Description Adult has mostly sooty brown plumage, but with white cap and nape; juvenile is similar, but with darker cap and nape.

Dimensions Length: 15" (38 cm)

Habitat Feeds by picking fish and other food from surface of sea, and flight is buoyant and graceful.

Range Florida, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast

Discussion Attractive tropical tern that breeds on Dry Tortugas, Florida and nests in bushes, not on ground like other terns; occurs as a vagrant on Gulf and Atlantic coasts.