Caspian Tern vs Common Tern

The Caspian Tern is the largest and most powerful of the terns, with broad wings and a strong, swift flight, while the Common Tern is smaller and known for its graceful flight. Caspian Terns have a loud, raucous call, especially noticeable in breeding colonies, whereas the Common Tern's vocalizations are not detailed here.

Size: Caspian Terns are significantly larger than Common Terns. Flight: Look for the Caspian Tern's broad wings and slow, powerful wing beats compared to the Common Tern's more graceful flight. Call: Listen for the loud, raucous call of the Caspian Tern, especially in colonies.

The Caspian Tern is the largest of all terns, much larger than the Common Tern.

Caspian Terns soar and wheel dramatically like gulls, with slow, powerful wing beats. The Common Tern is noted for its graceful flight.

Caspian Terns breed on flat rocky islands, beaches, and sandy shores, often near water bodies. The Common Tern's habitat preferences are not detailed here.

Caspian Terns have a loud, raucous call, especially in breeding colonies. The Common Tern's vocalizations are not detailed here.