Adult Royal Tern in nonbreeding plumage, Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, FloridaRoyal Tern in nonbreeding plumage – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1500, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

Just a simple post today to show the differences in the breeding and nonbreeding plumage of Royal Terns.

Royal Terns are “Crested Terns”, in this image the crest isn’t visible. The white on the top of this tern’s head indicates that it is in nonbreeding plumage.

Royal Tern in breeding plumage, Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, FloridaRoyal Tern in breeding plumage – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/1500, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm at 400mm, natural light

The shaggy crest is visible in this image and the black extends from the bill to just under the eye and to the tips of the crest. In some adult Royal Terns the bill can be more red than this adult.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Royal Tern photos plus facts and information about this species.