Terns

Terns are fast-flying coastal birds in the family Sternidae, which includes some 42 species. Most species of terns are found in the tropics and subtropics, but these birds occur on all continents. They range from the limits Royal terns (Thalasseus maximus) on Estero Island, Florida. Photograph by Robert J. Huffman. Field Mark Publications. Reproduced by permission. of land in the highest Arctic, to the fringes of Antarctica. Most terns breed and occur in coastal marine environments, or in the vicinity of inland lakes, rivers, and marshes.