The elegant tern is a tern in the family Laridae. It breeds on the Pacific coast of southern California in the United States and western Mexico, and migrates south to Peru, Ecuador and Chile for the northern winter; in the late summer and fall, some also disperse north to Oregon and more rarely Washington.
Region
Pacific coast of the Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds along the Pacific coast from southern California, USA, through western Mexico, with major colonies in the Gulf of California. After breeding, most migrate south along the coastline to winter off Peru, Ecuador, and Chile; some disperse north to Oregon and occasionally Washington in late summer and fall. Occupies coastal islands, barrier beaches, salt flats, and estuaries for nesting and roosting. Foraging occurs over nearshore waters, bays, and upwelling zones, typically within a few kilometers of the coast.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Elegant terns are sleek, long-winged seabirds with a shaggy black crest and a slender, bright orange bill. They breed in dense colonies, with a large share of the world population centered on islands in the Gulf of California. Their numbers and colony locations can shift markedly during El Niño years when fish availability changes. They feed mainly by agile plunge-diving for small schooling fish such as anchovies.
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
strong, buoyant flier with rapid shallow wingbeats; agile plunge-diver
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, often on low sandy or shelly islands, where pairs make shallow scrapes on open ground. Typically lays a single egg; both parents incubate and feed the chick. Outside the breeding season, forms large flocks that roost and forage together, sometimes mixing with other large terns.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Calls are carrying, harsh, and nasal, often rendered as a rolling ‘keer-rik’ or ‘kreee’. Colony chatter is loud and persistent, with repeated yelps and rasping notes.
Plumage
Pale gray upperparts and white underparts with a glossy black cap and shaggy crest in breeding; in nonbreeding, the forehead whitens and the cap becomes mottled with a retained dark crest. Tail is moderately forked and wings are long and pointed.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small schooling fish such as anchovies, sardines, and smelt. Captures prey by headfirst plunge-diving from a few to several meters above the surface, often with a brief submersion. Will also dip to snatch fish near the surface and may forage cooperatively in loose flocks. Parents carry fish crosswise in the bill to feed chicks.
Preferred Environment
Nearshore marine waters, tidal rips, estuaries, and bays, especially where upwelling concentrates baitfish. Common around coastal islands and beaches close to breeding and roosting sites; rarely ventures far offshore.
