Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus/Sterna maxima

The Royal Tern, above in its winter plumage, is the second largest tern (after the Caspian). In summer breeding plumage it has a fully dark cap. It has two geographically distinct subspecies: the nominal living around coasts of the Americas (east and west) and a lesser subspecies living along the west coast of Africa. Photos on this page were taken by Alexandra Makhnina.

The long, orange beak. In winter plumage, the strange dark crest makes them look like bald-headed men with a rim of dark hair.

Size comparison: a Royal Tern with Laughing Gulls on a Mexican beach. It is an entirely coastal tern, not venturing into inland lakes to feed or breed but staying near salt water.