Caspian tern

Hydroprogne caspia

The Caspian tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is the world's largest species of tern, with a subcosmopolitan but scattered distribution.

Family: Laridae Order: Charadriiformes Conservation: Least Concern
Caspian tern

About the Caspian tern

The Caspian tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is the world's largest species of tern, with a subcosmopolitan but scattered distribution. Despite its extensive range, it is monotypic of its genus, and has no accepted subspecies. The genus name is from Ancient Greek hudro-, "water-", and Latin progne, "swallow". The specific caspia is from Latin and, like the English name, refers to the Caspian Sea.

Fun Facts About Caspian tern

  • The Caspian tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is the world's largest species of tern, with a subcosmopolitan but scattered distribution.

Conservation Status

The Caspian tern is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyLaridae
GenusHydroprogne
SpeciesHydroprogne caspia

Range & Habitat

Range map of Caspian tern

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Related Species

Other species in the Laridae family: