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Laridae - Gulls, Terns, Skimmers, Noddies

There are about 105 species in this family of seabirds, which includes gulls, terns, skimmers, and noddies. They are found along coastlines, lakes, rivers, and wetlands throughout the world, from the Arctic to Antarctica.

Many species spend much of their lives near shore, but some are highly pelagic, meaning they live far out at sea and return to land mainly to breed and raise their young.

Birds in this family are generally medium-sized and are usually white, gray, or black, often with contrasting markings on the head, wings, or back. They have streamlined bodies, relatively short legs, webbed feet, and strong bills adapted for catching and eating a variety of foods.

Most species are opportunistic feeders. Fish and aquatic invertebrates make up a large part of their diet, but they may also eat insects, crustaceans, worms, eggs, carrion (dead animals), and even plant material. Some species catch fish by diving into the water, while others pick food from the surface or forage along beaches and mudflats.

Most species nest in colonies, sometimes numbering thousands of birds. Their nests are usually simple scrapes on the ground, although some species nest on cliffs, islands, or in vegetation.

Both parents typically help incubate the eggs and care for the chicks. Many species are highly social and communicate with a variety of calls and displays.

  • In the United States, the Black Noddy is found in the Dry Tortugas off the coast of Florida and in Hawaii. It can also be found in tropical areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Black Noddy
    (Anous minutus)
    In the United States, the Black Noddy is found in the Dry Tortugas off the coast of Florida and in Hawaii. It can also be found in tropical areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Brown Noddy is the largest of the noddies. It is found around the world. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Brown Noddy
    (Anous stolidus)
    The Brown Noddy is the largest of the noddies. It is found around the world. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Lesser Noddy is found in tropical and subtropical locations in the Indian Ocean. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Lesser Noddy
    (Anous tenuirostris)
    The Lesser Noddy is found in tropical and subtropical locations in the Indian Ocean. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Black-fronted Tern is found in New Zealand. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
    Black-fronted Tern
    (Chlidonias albostriatus)
    The Black-fronted Tern is found in New Zealand. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
  • The Whiskered Tern is found in scattered locations around Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Whiskered Tern
    (Chlidonias hybrida)
    The Whiskered Tern is found in scattered locations around Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The White-winged Tern breeds from Central Europe to Russia, and Eastern China. It winters in the Southern Hemisphere. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    White-winged Tern
    (Chlidonias leucopterus)
    The White-winged Tern breeds from Central Europe to Russia, and Eastern China. It winters in the Southern Hemisphere. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • In the summer, the Black Tern is found across Canada and the northern United States. It moves throughout the United States and Central America during migration, eventually landing on the northern coast of South America for the winter. It is found in New Hampshire during migration. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Black Tern
    (Chlidonias niger)
    In the summer, the Black Tern is found across Canada and the northern United States. It moves throughout the United States and Central America during migration, eventually landing on the northern coast of South America for the winter. It is found in New Hampshire during migration. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Swallow-tailed Gull is found off the coast of western South America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Swallow-tailed Gull
    (Creagrus furcatus)
    The Swallow-tailed Gull is found off the coast of western South America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Australian Gull-billed Tern, also knownas the Australian Tern, breeds in Australia,.It can also be found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Australian Gull-billed Tern
    (Gelochelidon macrotarsa)
    The Australian Gull-billed Tern, also knownas the Australian Tern, breeds in Australia,.It can also be found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Atlantic White Tern is breeds on four island groups in the South Atlantic, Fernando de Noronha, Trindade, Ascension and St Helena. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Atlantic White Tern
    (Gygis alba)
    The Atlantic White Tern is breeds on four island groups in the South Atlantic, Fernando de Noronha, Trindade, Ascension and St Helena. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Little Gull is the smallest gull in the world. It found in Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It is also found in North America. It is occasional visitor to New Hampshire. New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Little Gull
    (Hydrocoloeus minutus)
    The Little Gull is the smallest gull in the world. It found in Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It is also found in North America. It is occasional visitor to New Hampshire. New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Caspian Tern is the largest species of tern in North America. It is found I Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. It is found in New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Caspian Tern
    (Hydroprogne caspia)
    The Caspian Tern is the largest species of tern in North America. It is found I Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. It is found in New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Inca Tern is found in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
    Inca Tern
    (Larosterna inca)
    The Inca Tern is found in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
  • The European Herring Gull is found across much of Europe. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    European Herring Gull
    (Larus argentatus)
    The European Herring Gull is found across much of Europe. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Armenian Gull is found in Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Türkiye, Georgia, Armenia, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iran. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Armenian Gull
    (Larus armenicus)
    The Armenian Gull is found in Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Türkiye, Georgia, Armenia, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iran. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Olrog’s Gull is found in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
    Olrog's Gull
    (Larus atlanticus)
    Olrog’s Gull is found in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
  • The Laughing Gull breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Canada south to Florida and the Caribbean and along the Gulf Coast. It winters from Virginia south to South America and along the Gulf Coast, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It is found in New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Laughing Gull
    (Larus atricilla)
    The Laughing Gull breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Canada south to Florida and the Caribbean and along the Gulf Coast. It winters from Virginia south to South America and along the Gulf Coast, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It is found in New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Audouin's Gull is found in southern Europe and northern Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
    Audouin's Gull
    (Larus audouinii)
    Audouin's Gull is found in southern Europe and northern Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
  • Belcher’s Gull is found in Ecuador, Chile, and Panama. Peru, IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Belcher’s Gull
    (Larus belcheri)
    Belcher’s Gull is found in Ecuador, Chile, and Panama. Peru, IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Black-billed Gull is found in New Zealand. IUCN Redlist: Near Threatened
    Black-billed Gull
    (Larus bulleri)
    The Black-billed Gull is found in New Zealand. IUCN Redlist: Near Threatened
  • The Brown-headed Gull breeds in Central Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Brown-headed Gull
    (Larus brunnicephalus)
    The Brown-headed Gull breeds in Central Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Caspian Gull is found in eastern Europe, the Middle East, north-west Africa and central Asia, IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Caspian Gull
    (Larus cachinnans)
    The Caspian Gull is found in eastern Europe, the Middle East, north-west Africa and central Asia, IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The California Gull is found in inland areas in the western U.S. and Canada. It is also found along the coast of the Pacific Northwest south to Mexico, IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    California Gull
    (Larus californicus)
    The California Gull is found in inland areas in the western U.S. and Canada. It is also found along the coast of the Pacific Northwest south to Mexico, IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Mew Gull is found in North America, Asia, and Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Mew Gull
    (Larus canus)
    The Mew Gull is found in North America, Asia, and Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Gray-headed Gull is found in Africa, South America, and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Gray-headed Gull
    (Larus cirrocephalus)
    The Gray-headed Gull is found in Africa, South America, and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Black-tailed Gull is found in Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Black-tailed Gull
    (Larus crassirostris)
    The Black-tailed Gull is found in Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • In North America, the ring-billed gull breeds in the Northwest from the prairies of Canada south to California. It is also found in the Great Lakes region, the Canadian Maritimes, and northern New England, including New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Ring-billed Gull
    (Larus delawarensis)
    In North America, the ring-billed gull breeds in the Northwest from the prairies of Canada south to California. It is also found in the Great Lakes region, the Canadian Maritimes, and northern New England, including New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Kelp Gull is found in Africa, South America, Australia, and Antarctica. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Kelp Gull
    (Larus dominicanus)
    The Kelp Gull is found in Africa, South America, Australia, and Antarctica. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Lava Gull only breeds in the Galápagos Islands. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
    Lava Gull
    (Larus fuliginosus)
    The Lava Gull only breeds in the Galápagos Islands. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
  • The Lesser Black-backed Gull breeds in northern and western Europe. It winters in Western Europe and West Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Lesser Black-backed Gull
    (Larus fuscus)
    The Lesser Black-backed Gull breeds in northern and western Europe. It winters in Western Europe and West Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Slender-billed Gull is found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Slender-billed Gull
    (Larus genei)
    The Slender-billed Gull is found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Glaucous-winged Gull is found in Asia and along the Pacific Coast of North America from Alaska to Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Glaucous-winged Gull
    (Larus glaucescens)
    Glaucous-winged Gull is found in Asia and along the Pacific Coast of North America from Alaska to Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Iceland Gull breeds in the Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland, but not Iceland! IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Iceland Gull
    (Larus glaucoides)
    The Iceland Gull breeds in the Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland, but not Iceland! IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Hartlaub’s gull is found in Namibia and South Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Hartlaub's Gull
    (Larus hartlaubii)
    Hartlaub’s gull is found in Namibia and South Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Heermann's Gull is found from British Columbia in Canada, south to Guatemala IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
    Heermann's Gull
    (Larus heermanni)
    Heermann's Gull is found from British Columbia in Canada, south to Guatemala IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
  • The Sooty Gull is found in Africa and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Sooty Gull
    (Larus hemprichii)
    The Sooty Gull is found in Africa and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Glaucous Gull breeds across the western and northern coasts of Alaska and across extreme northern Canada. It winters in the southern part of its breeding range and along the Pacific Coast south to California and along the Atlantic Coast south to Virginia. It is also found in Greenland, Iceland, and northern Europe and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Glaucous Gull
    (Larus hyperboreus)
    The Glaucous Gull breeds across the western and northern coasts of Alaska and across extreme northern Canada. It winters in the southern part of its breeding range and along the Pacific Coast south to California and along the Atlantic Coast south to Virginia. It is also found in Greenland, Iceland, and northern Europe and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Pallas’s Gull is found in Africa and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Pallas's Gull
    (Larus ichthyaetus)
    The Pallas’s Gull is found in Africa and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The White-eyed Gull is found in Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Greece, Iran, Maldives, Oman, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened Africa Asia
    White-eyed Gull
    (Larus leucophthalmus)
    The White-eyed Gull is found in Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Greece, Iran, Maldives, Oman, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened Africa Asia
  • The Yellow-footed Gull is found in California, Arizona, and Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Yellow-footed Gull
    (Larus livens)
    The Yellow-footed Gull is found in California, Arizona, and Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Brown-hooded Gull is found in Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Brown-hooded Gull
    (Larus maculipennis)
    The Brown-hooded Gull is found in Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Great Black-backed Gull breeds in coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, including northeastern North America and northern Europe. It is found in New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Great Black-backed Gull
    (Larus marinus)
    The Great Black-backed Gull breeds in coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, including northeastern North America and northern Europe. It is found in New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Mediterranean Gull is found long the Mediterranean Sea and in other locations in Europe, Africa, and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Mediterranean Gull
    (Larus melanocephalus)
    The Mediterranean Gull is found long the Mediterranean Sea and in other locations in Europe, Africa, and Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Yellow-legged Gull is found in Europe and Northern Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Yellow-legged Gull
    (Larus michahellis)
    The Yellow-legged Gull is found in Europe and Northern Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Gray Gull is found along the Pacific Coast of South America from Ecuador to Chile. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Gray Gull
    (Larus modestus)
    The Gray Gull is found along the Pacific Coast of South America from Ecuador to Chile. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Silver gull is found in Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Silver Gull
    (Larus novaehollandiae)
    The Silver gull is found in Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The western gull is found along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia, Canada south to Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Western Gull
    (Larus occidentalis)
    The western gull is found along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia, Canada south to Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Pacific gull is found in Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Pacific Gull
    (Larus pacificus)
    The Pacific gull is found in Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Bonaparte's Gull breeds in Alaska and Canada. It winters along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts and along the Great Lakes. It is found in New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Bonaparte's Gull
    (Larus philadelphia)
    Bonaparte's Gull breeds in Alaska and Canada. It winters along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts and along the Great Lakes. It is found in New Hampshire. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Franklin’s Gull is found from central Canada south through the central U.S. to South America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Franklin's Gull
    (Larus pipixcan)
    Franklin’s Gull is found from central Canada south through the central U.S. to South America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Relict Gull is found in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Kyrgyzstan. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
    Relict Gull
    (Larus relictus)
    The Relict Gull is found in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Kyrgyzstan. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
  • The Black-headed Gull is found in extreme northeastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, northern Europe, and Asia. It winters in the southern regions of its breeding grounds south to Africa and Asia. In the U.S., it is sometimes found along the Atlantic Coast in winter. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Black-headed Gull
    (Larus ridibundus)
    The Black-headed Gull is found in extreme northeastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, northern Europe, and Asia. It winters in the southern regions of its breeding grounds south to Africa and Asia. In the U.S., it is sometimes found along the Atlantic Coast in winter. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Saunder’s Gull is found in China, South Korea, North Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Taiwan, Vietnam and Russia. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
    Saunders's Gull
    (Larus saundersi)
    Saunder’s Gull is found in China, South Korea, North Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Taiwan, Vietnam and Russia. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
  • The Slaty-backed Gull is found in Canada, Japan, Russia, North and South Korea, and Taiwan. In the U.S. it is found in Alaska. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Slaty-backed Gull
    (Larus schistisagus)
    The Slaty-backed Gull is found in Canada, Japan, Russia, North and South Korea, and Taiwan. In the U.S. it is found in Alaska. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Dolphin Gull is found at the tip of South America on the coasts of Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Dolphin Gull
    (Larus scoresbii)
    The Dolphin Gull is found at the tip of South America on the coasts of Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Andean gull is found along the Pacific coast of South America from Ecuador to Chile. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Andean Gull
    (Larus serranus)
    The Andean gull is found along the Pacific coast of South America from Ecuador to Chile. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The American Herring Gull, also known as the Arctic Herring Gull or Smithsonian Gull, breeds across Alaska and northern Canada, south to the Great Lakes and along the Atlantic Coast south to North Carolina. It winters from southern Alaska south to Mexico and from the Great Lakes and Massachusetts south to the Caribbean and Central America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    American Herring Gull
    (Larus smithsonianus)
    The American Herring Gull, also known as the Arctic Herring Gull or Smithsonian Gull, breeds across Alaska and northern Canada, south to the Great Lakes and along the Atlantic Coast south to North Carolina. It winters from southern Alaska south to Mexico and from the Great Lakes and Massachusetts south to the Caribbean and Central America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Aleutian Tern breeds in the North Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Sakhalin and Kamchatka in Russia, as well as along the Bering and Pacific coasts of Alaska and on the Aleutian Islands. IUCN Redlist: Vulnerable
    Aleutian Tern
    (Onychoprion aleuticus)
    The Aleutian Tern breeds in the North Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Sakhalin and Kamchatka in Russia, as well as along the Bering and Pacific coasts of Alaska and on the Aleutian Islands. IUCN Redlist: Vulnerable
  • The Bridled Tern is found in tropical waters around the world. IUCN Redlist Status;: Least Concern
    Bridled Tern
    (Onychoprion anaethetus)
    The Bridled Tern is found in tropical waters around the world. IUCN Redlist Status;: Least Concern
  • The Sooty Tern is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Sooty Tern
    (Onychoprion fuscata)
    The Sooty Tern is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Gray-backed Tern is found across the tropical Pacific Ocean, from Hawaii and the Northern Mariana Islands in the north, south to Fiji, and east to the Phoenix, Line, Austral, and Tuamotu Islands. IUCN Redlist: Least Concern
    Gray-backed Tern
    (Onychoprion lunatus)
    The Gray-backed Tern is found across the tropical Pacific Ocean, from Hawaii and the Northern Mariana Islands in the north, south to Fiji, and east to the Phoenix, Line, Austral, and Tuamotu Islands. IUCN Redlist: Least Concern
  • The Ivory Gull is found in the high Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Russia. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
    Ivory Gull
    (Pagophila eburnea)
    The Ivory Gull is found in the high Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Russia. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
  • Th Large-billed Tern is found in South America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Large-billed Tern
    (Phaetusa simplex)
    Th Large-billed Tern is found in South America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Ross’s Gull is found in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Ross's Gull
    (Rhodostethia rosea)
    Ross’s Gull is found in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Red-legged Kittiwake breeds in Alaska on the Pribilof Islands, Bogoslof Islands, and Buldir Island, and on Russia's Commander Islands. It winters on the North Pacific Ocean. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
    Red-legged Kittiwake
    (Rissa brevirostris)
    The Red-legged Kittiwake breeds in Alaska on the Pribilof Islands, Bogoslof Islands, and Buldir Island, and on Russia's Commander Islands. It winters on the North Pacific Ocean. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
  • The Black-legged Kittiwake is found along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from Canada south to California and Florida. It is also found in Eurasia. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
    Black-legged Kittiwake
    (Rissa tridactyla)
    The Black-legged Kittiwake is found along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from Canada south to California and Florida. It is also found in Eurasia. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
  • The Indian Skimmer is fund in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Thailand, North and South Korea, China, and Taiwan. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
    Indian Skimmer
    (Rynchops albicollis)
    The Indian Skimmer is fund in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Thailand, North and South Korea, China, and Taiwan. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
  • The African Skimmer is found across much of central Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    African Skimmer
    (Rynchops flavirostris)
    The African Skimmer is found across much of central Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Black Skimmer’s range stretches from southern California to Ecuador in the west, and from Massachusetts to central Mexico in the east. They are also found on the Gulf Coast. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Black Skimmer
    (Rynchops niger)
    The Black Skimmer’s range stretches from southern California to Ecuador in the west, and from Massachusetts to central Mexico in the east. They are also found on the Gulf Coast. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Saunder's Gull is found in China, North Korea, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macao, Taiwan, Viet Nam, and Russia, IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
    Saunder's Gull
    (Saundersilarus saundersi)
    Saunder's Gull is found in China, North Korea, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macao, Taiwan, Viet Nam, and Russia, IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
  • The Black-bellied Tern is found in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
    Black-bellied Tern
    (Sterna acuticauda)
    The Black-bellied Tern is found in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
  • The River Tern breeds in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Thailand. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
    River Tern
    (Sterna aurantia)
    The River Tern breeds in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Thailand. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
  • The Lesser Crested Tern is found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Lesser Crested Tern
    (Thalasseus bengalensis)
    The Lesser Crested Tern is found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The roseate tern breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia, Canada south to New York. It also breeds in the Florida Keys. It winters along the coast of South America. It is also found in the Caribbean, Europe, the Indian Ocean, South Africa, and Western Australia. In New Hampshire it is an endangered species. It breeds on the Isles of Shoals. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Roseate Tern
    (Sterna dougallii)
    The roseate tern breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia, Canada south to New York. It also breeds in the Florida Keys. It winters along the coast of South America. It is also found in the Caribbean, Europe, the Indian Ocean, South Africa, and Western Australia. In New Hampshire it is an endangered species. It breeds on the Isles of Shoals. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Foster’s Tern breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Massachusetts south to Florida, on the California coast, on the Gulf Coast, along the Great Lakes, and in scattered locations in Nevada, southern Idaho, Utah, Colorado, the Midwest, and southcentral Canada. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Forster's Tern
    (Sterna forsteri)
    Foster’s Tern breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Massachusetts south to Florida, on the California coast, on the Gulf Coast, along the Great Lakes, and in scattered locations in Nevada, southern Idaho, Utah, Colorado, the Midwest, and southcentral Canada. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The South American Tern is found on both the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of South America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    South American Tern
    (Sterna hirundinacea)
    The South American Tern is found on both the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of South America. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Common Tern breeds from Alberta, Canada east to Labrador, Canada and south to Montana, the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coast. It winters from Florida south to the Caribbean and South America. The common tern is also found in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. In New Hampshire, the common tern breeds on the Isles of Shoals. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Common Tern
    (Sterna hirundo)
    The Common Tern breeds from Alberta, Canada east to Labrador, Canada and south to Montana, the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coast. It winters from Florida south to the Caribbean and South America. The common tern is also found in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. In New Hampshire, the common tern breeds on the Isles of Shoals. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Arctic Tern is circumpolar. That means it is found around the polar regions. In North America, it breeds across Alaska and northern Canada, south to northern British Columbia, the Hudson Bay, and along the Atlantic Coast to Massachusetts. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Arctic Tern
    (Sterna paradisaea)
    The Arctic Tern is circumpolar. That means it is found around the polar regions. In North America, it breeds across Alaska and northern Canada, south to northern British Columbia, the Hudson Bay, and along the Atlantic Coast to Massachusetts. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The White-cheeked Tern is found in countries bordering the Arabian Sea. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    White-cheeked Tern
    (Sterna repressa)
    The White-cheeked Tern is found in countries bordering the Arabian Sea. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The White-fronted Tern is found in Australia and New Zealand. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
    White-fronted Tern
    (Sterna striata)
    The White-fronted Tern is found in Australia and New Zealand. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
  • The Black-naped Tern is found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Black-naped Tern
    (Sterna sumatrana)
    The Black-naped Tern is found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Snowy-crowned Tern is found in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, and Paraguay. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Snowy-crowned Tern
    (Sterna trudeaui)
    The Snowy-crowned Tern is found in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, and Paraguay. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Kerguelen Tern is found in the French Southern Territories and South Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
    Kerguelen Tern
    (Sterna virgata)
    The Kerguelen Tern is found in the French Southern Territories and South Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
  • The Antarctic Tern can be found in Antarctica, Bouvet Island, French Southern Territories, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, South Africa, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Uruguay, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Falkland Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and New Zealand. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Antarctic Tern
    (Sterna vittata)
    The Antarctic Tern can be found in Antarctica, Bouvet Island, French Southern Territories, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, South Africa, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Uruguay, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Falkland Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and New Zealand. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Little Tern is found in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Little Tern
    (Sternula albifrons)
    The Little Tern is found in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Least Tern breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Maine south to Florida and along the Gulf Coast south to Mexico. It also breeds along the Pacific Coast from California south to Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Least Tern
    (Sternula antillarum)
    The Least Tern breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Maine south to Florida and along the Gulf Coast south to Mexico. It also breeds along the Pacific Coast from California south to Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Damara Tern is found along the coast of western Africa from Liberia to South Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Damara Tern
    (Sternula balaenarum)
    The Damara Tern is found along the coast of western Africa from Liberia to South Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Peruvian Tern is found in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
    Peruvian Tern
    (Sternula lorata)
    The Peruvian Tern is found in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
  • The fairy tern is found in Australia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
    Fairy Tern
    (Sternula nereis)
    The fairy tern is found in Australia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
  • Saunders’s Tern is found in Bahrain, Djibouti, Eritrea, India, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Saunders's Tern
    (Sternula saundersi)
    Saunders’s Tern is found in Bahrain, Djibouti, Eritrea, India, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Yellow-billed Tern is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and Uruguay. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Yellow-billed Tern
    (Sternula superciliaris)
    The Yellow-billed Tern is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and Uruguay. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Lesser Crested Tern is found in in subtropical coastal waters around the world. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Lesser Crested Tern
    (Thalasseus bengalensis)
    The Lesser Crested Tern is found in in subtropical coastal waters around the world. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Greater Crested Tern is found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Greater Crested Tern
    (Thalasseus bergii)
    The Greater Crested Tern is found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Chinese Crested Tern breeds in China, Taiwan and South Korea. IUCN Redlist Status: Critically Endangered
    Chinese Crested Tern
    (Thalasseus bernsteini)
    The Chinese Crested Tern breeds in China, Taiwan and South Korea. IUCN Redlist Status: Critically Endangered
  • The Elegant Tern is found along the Pacific Coast to North America from Oregon to central Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
    Elegant Tern
    (Thalasseus elegans)
    The Elegant Tern is found along the Pacific Coast to North America from Oregon to central Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
  • The Royal Tern breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Maryland to Florida, and along Gulf Coast to northern Mexico. It sometimes wanders further north. It also breeds in southern California and western Mexico. It is also found along the coast of western Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Royal Tern
    (Thalasseus maximus)
    The Royal Tern breeds along the Atlantic Coast from Maryland to Florida, and along Gulf Coast to northern Mexico. It sometimes wanders further north. It also breeds in southern California and western Mexico. It is also found along the coast of western Africa. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • The Sandwich Tern is found in Europe, Africa, South America, the coast f the eastern U.S. , the Gulf Coast, and the Caribbean, IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Sandwich Tern
    (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
    The Sandwich Tern is found in Europe, Africa, South America, the coast f the eastern U.S. , the Gulf Coast, and the Caribbean, IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
  • Sabine’s Gull is found in ocean waters off of the western U.S., Canada, and Mexico, across the Atlantic coast of the U.S. Canada, Africa, and Europe, and in scattered location in northern Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
    Sabine's Gull
    (Xema sabini)
    Sabine’s Gull is found in ocean waters off of the western U.S., Canada, and Mexico, across the Atlantic coast of the U.S. Canada, Africa, and Europe, and in scattered location in northern Asia. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern

Did You Know?

Most of the birds in this family, like this Ring-billed Gull, are gray or white with black or gray markings.
Most of the birds in this family, like this Ring-billed Gull, are gray or white with black or gray markings.

World Status Key

Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist

Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct
Not Enough Data

U.S. Status Key

Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife

Threatened in US
Endangered in US
Introduced

NH Status Key

Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Threatened in NH
Endangered in NH
Breeds in NH (birds)

Location Key

Africa
Asia
Australia/Oceania
Europe
North/Central America
south america alt
South America

New Hampshire Species

American Herring Gull - Larus smithsonianusLeast ConcernNorth/Central America
Arctic Tern - Sterna paradisaeaLeast ConcernNorth/Central AmericaEuropeAsia
Black Tern - Childonias nigerLeast ConcernNorth/Central AmericaSouth America
Black-Headed Gull - Larus ridibundusLeast ConcernNorth/Central AmericaEuropeAsiaAfrica
Black-Legged Kittiwake - Rissa tridactylaVulnerableNorth/Central AmericaEuropeAsiaAfrica
Bonaparte's Gull - Larus philadelphiaLeast ConcernNorth/Central America
Caspian Tern - Hydroprogne caspiaLeast ConcernNorth/Central AmericaSouth AmericaEuropeAsiaAfricaAustralia/Oceania
Common Tern - Sterna hirundoLeast ConcernThreatened in NHNorth/Central AmericaSouth AmericaEuropeAsiaAfricaAustralia/Oceania
Forster's Tern - Sterna forsteriLeast ConcernNorth/Central America
Glaucous Gull - Larus hyperboreusLeast ConcernNorth/Central AmericaEuropeAsia
Laughing Gull - Larus atricillaLeast ConcernNorth/Central AmericaSouth America
Least Tern - Sternula antillarumLeast ConcernEndangered in USEndangered in NHNorth/Central AmericaSouth America
Ring-Billed Gull - Larus delawarensisLeast ConcernNorth/Central America
Roseate Tern - Sterna dougalliiLeast ConcernEndangered in USEndangered in NHNorth/Central AmericaSouth AmericaAsiaAfricaAustralia/Oceania
Royal Tern - Thalasseus maximusLeast ConcernNorth/Central AmericaSouth AmericaAfrica

Other Species Around the World

Black Noddy - Anous minutusLeast ConcernNorth/Central AmericaSouth AmericaAsiaAustralia/Oceania
Red-Legged Kittiwake - Rissa brevirostrisVulnerableNorth/Central AmericaAsia

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