| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | The largest tern species, measuring about 47–54 cm in length with a wingspan of 127–140 cm. It has a massive red-orange bill, pale grey upperparts, and white underparts, with a black cap during the breeding season.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Breeds across North America, Europe, and central Asia, including areas around Caspian Sea and Russia. Northern populations migrate south for winter.
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| Migrate to: | Winters in South Asia, Africa, and southern coasts of Asia, including India and Sri Lanka, where it is a migrant visitor.
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| Breeding season: | April to July, depending on location. Nests in colonies on sandy or gravel islands, often near large water bodies.
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| Breed in: | Northern Europe, central Asia, and North America, especially around large lakes, rivers, and coastal lagoons.
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| Habitat: | Found in coastal regions, estuaries, large inland lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Prefers open water areas with nearby sandy or gravel nesting sites.
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| Diet: | Feeds mainly on fish, which it captures by hovering and plunge-diving into the water. Occasionally eats crustaceans and aquatic insects.
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