A medium-sized, slender tern with long, thin, sharp bill and long, pointed wings. The tail is medium length with a shallow fork. Adults during the breeding season have a shaggy crest that gives a ragged look to the back of the head.
Relative Size
Larger than a Common Tern, smaller than a Royal Tern.
![Relative Size](/guide/images/size/scale.png)
![crow sized](/guide/images/size/crow-sized.png)
Measurements- Both Sexes
- Length: 13.4-17.7 in (34-45 cm)
- Weight: 6.3-10.6 oz (180-300 g)
- Wingspan: 33.1-35.4 in (84-90 cm)
- Length: 13.4-17.7 in (34-45 cm)
- Weight: 6.3-10.6 oz (180-300 g)
- Wingspan: 33.1-35.4 in (84-90 cm)