North American Bird Search Box
This search box can be used to find bird species using bird's english, french or latin name, or to identify bird by its 4 letter Alpha Code
Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Elegant Tern
4 Letter (english names) Alpha Code: ELTE (1)
Sterne élégante
Thalasseus elegans
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Life, Habitat & Pictures of North American Terns
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17" 43.2cm | 34" 86.4cm | 9oz 255g | Laridae | Thalasseus elegans |
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
The Elegant Tern is found on the southwestern coast of North America, along the Pacific Ocean. This seabird closely resembles the Royal Tern that is found on the Atlantic coast. Between these two terns, who both have crested heads and downward curving bills, the Elegant Tern has the thinner more streamline bill.
References to Other Bird Sites:
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.