Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

Forster's Tern is a medium-sized tern with a slender body, long pointed wings, and a deeply forked tail. During the breeding season, it displays a black cap on the head, a black line extending from the eye to the bill, and a red-orange bill. Its back and wings are pale gray, and the underparts are white. Outside of the breeding season, the black cap is reduced, and the bill becomes black. This species is known for its graceful flight and agile diving to catch fish. It breeds in marshes and wetlands, and winters along coastal areas and estuaries. Forster's Tern is a vocal species, often emitting sharp calls during flight and while perched.

Habitat: Marshes and wetlands

Forster's Tern
© Ryan Hodnett · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tours where you can spot this bird

Canada – Saskatchewan Birding Grand Tour: June 12-29, 2027
Canada – Saskatchewan Birding Grand Tour: June 12-29, 2027
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 18 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 1590.00 CAD
Canada – Saskatchewan Spring Birding Grand Tour: May 11-17, 2026
Canada – Saskatchewan Spring Birding Grand Tour: May 11-17, 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 7 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 50.00 CAD
Canada – Saskatchewan Autumn Birding Grand Tour: September 9 – 18, 2026
Canada – Saskatchewan Autumn Birding Grand Tour: September 9 – 18, 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 10 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 50.00 CAD
Canada – Saskatchewan Late-Summer Birding Grand Tour: August 24 – 29, 2026
Canada – Saskatchewan Late-Summer Birding Grand Tour: August 24 – 29, 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 6 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 50.00 CAD
Canada – Saskatchewan Mid-Summer Birding Grand Tour: August 3 – 10, 2026
Canada – Saskatchewan Mid-Summer Birding Grand Tour: August 3 – 10, 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 8 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 50.00 CAD
Canada – Saskatchewan Birding Grand Tour: June 12 – 26, 2026
Canada – Saskatchewan Birding Grand Tour: June 12 – 26, 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 15 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 50.00 CAD
Canada – Southwest Saskatchewan Birding Tour: July 9 – 16, 2026
Canada – Southwest Saskatchewan Birding Tour: July 9 – 16, 2026
Canada / Saskatoon Private tour 8 days | 0h

Tours Niche: Birdwatching Tours and Bird Photography Tours Tours Region: Saskatchewan, Canada Tours Duration: Half-Day, Full-Day, and Multi-...

From 1830.00 CAD