Caspian Tern

🔍 Overview

Rare vagrant. A scarce but nearly annual migrant to Sussex, the Caspian Tern is a huge, carrot-billed tern often seen at coastal lagoons or inland gravel pits.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Very large tern (48–56 cm)

Plumage: White body, pale grey wings, black cap in breeding plumage

Bill: Large, red-orange, and dagger-shaped

Flight: Strong, gull-like

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Occasional spring and summer visitor to Pagham Harbour, Arundel WWT, and Rye Harbour.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Loud, hoarse “kreee-arr” call. Often rests with gulls or other terns.

📸 Birding Tip

Scan large gull flocks at estuaries and lagoons. Look for outsized bill and robust body.