Caspian Tern
Hydroprogne caspia
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspian_tern
Overview
The Caspian tern is the world's largest species of tern, with a subcosmopolitan but scattered distribution. Despite its extensive range, it is monotypic of its genus, and has no accepted subspecies. The genus name is from Ancient Greek hudro-, "water-", and Latin progne, "swallow". The specific caspia is from Latin and, like the English name, refers to the Caspian Sea.
The Caspian Tern faces severe threats from habitat loss due to coastal development, human disturbance at breeding colonies, and climate change impacts on nesting sites. Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threaten low-lying coastal breeding areas, while pollution and overfishing reduce prey availability in critical feeding waters.
Habitat
Large inland lakes, coastal lagoons, estuaries, and marine waters, typically nesting on isolated islands, sandy beaches, and artificial structures like dredge spoil islands. Requires open water areas with abundant fish populations for foraging and undisturbed sites with sparse vegetation for colonial nesting.
Other threatened species in Laridae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Caspian Tern classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Caspian Tern live?
What are the main threats to Caspian Tern?
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