Bird Gallery Index

Gull-billed Tern (non-breeding plumage)
image ©Joseph Kennedy

Family: (Laridae) Gulls and Terns

Preferred Habitat: Beaches and coastal marshes.

Seasonal Occurrence: Uncommon spring through fall; occasional in winter. Breeds in our area

Notes: Gull-billed Terns are distinguished from other terns by their thick short black bills. Unlike most other terns, they do not depend predominantly on fish for food, but often may be found flying over fields and marshes in search of insects. Juveniles resemble nonbreeding adults, but have brown bills and traces of buff in their plumage. Gull-billed Terns prefer to nest directly on the beach or barrier islands.
- Susan Billetdeaux

Gull-billed Terns (breeding plumage)
image ©Joseph Kennedy