A medium-sized tern known for its distinctive short, thick bill, which sets it apart from other terns. Unlike many of its relatives that primarily hunt over water, the Gull-billed Tern is versatile in its feeding habits, often foraging over fields, marshes, and even dry land. It preys on a variety of food, including insects, small fish, amphibians, and sometimes even small mammals. This adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse habitats, from coastal regions to inland wetlands. During the breeding season, it nests in colonies, often on sandy shores or salt marshes, laying eggs in simple scrapes on the ground. Although its population is stable in some areas, habitat loss and disturbance remain threats in other parts of its range.

A small, graceful seabird commonly found in coastal and estuarine habitats. It is easily recognized by its slender wings, black cap, and bright yellow bill tipped with black. An agile flier, it hunts small fish and crustaceans by skillfully diving into the water. During the breeding season, it nests in colonies on sandy beaches, gravelly areas, or salt flats, laying its well-camouflaged eggs in shallow scrapes.

The largest tern species in the world, instantly recognizable by its robust body, striking black cap, and vibrant red-orange bill. This elegant bird is often seen gliding over coastal waters, lakes, and rivers, searching for fish to dive after with precision. Known for its loud, harsh calls, the Caspian Tern has a widespread range, spanning continents from North America to Europe, Asia, and Australia. With its commanding presence and powerful flight, it stands out as a true master of both air and water in the avian world.

A medium-sized seabird with a slender, elegant build. It has pale gray upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive black cap that extends from its forehead to the back of its head during the breeding season. Its most striking feature is its bright orange bill, which helps differentiate it from similar tern species. Lesser Crested Terns are commonly found along tropical and subtropical coastlines, breeding in colonies on sandy islands and feeding primarily on small fish, which they catch by plunge-diving. They are regular visitors to the UAE’s coastal areas, particularly around offshore islands and sandbanks, making them an exciting species for birdwatchers and photographers in the region.

The Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) is a medium-sized seabird belonging to the tern family, commonly found along coastal regions, estuaries, and sandy shores. Recognized by its slender build, pale gray upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive black cap that recedes in winter, it also features a sharp, black bill with a yellow tip. This species is a skilled aerial fisher, hovering before diving into the water to catch small fish. Sandwich Terns are social birds, often seen nesting in large colonies with other seabirds, providing safety in numbers. During migration and winter, they travel along coastlines, moving between breeding and feeding grounds. In the UAE, they are frequently observed along the shores and wetlands, particularly during migration seasons. Their sharp, high-pitched calls and graceful flight make them a fascinating species for birdwatchers along coastal habitats.

The Greater Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) is a large and striking seabird commonly found along coastlines, estuaries, and offshore islands across tropical and subtropical regions. It is recognized by its pale gray upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive shaggy black crest on its head, which contrasts with its long, sharp yellow bill. This species is highly social, often seen in large flocks resting on sandy beaches or rocky outcrops. A skilled hunter, the Greater Crested Tern primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by plunge-diving into the water from mid-air. It breeds in dense colonies, laying eggs in simple scrapes on the ground. In the UAE, it is frequently observed along the coastline and islands, particularly during migration and the breeding season, making it an important species in the region’s coastal birdlife.