Royal Terns in La Jolla, Sterna maxima

By December 29, 2022January 29th, 2023Seabird

I’ve got a couple places in La Jolla that I go to to photograph animals or seabirds. Lately, one of those spots has had many Royal Terns (Sterna maxima).  These images illustrate both non-breeding plumage (which is distinguished by the tern’s black head cap only covering the back of the head) and breeding plumage with a black cap covering the entire top of the head.  Cheers, and thanks for looking!

Royal Tern in flight, adult breeding plumage with black head cap, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult breeding plumage with black head cap, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38946
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38952
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, breaking waves and surf in the background, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, breaking waves and surf in the background, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38953
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, adult breeding plumage with black head cap, La Jolla. California sea lion in the background, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult breeding plumage with black head cap, La Jolla. California sea lion in the background.
Image ID: 38955
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38669
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal tern, winter adult phase, Sterna maxima, La Jolla, California

Royal tern, winter adult phase.
Image ID: 37723
Species: Royal Tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38640
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38641
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38666
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38668
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38643
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima

Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Image ID: 38644
Species: Royal tern, Sterna maxima
Location: La Jolla, California

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About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!

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