First Records of the Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia in Lebanon 2021

Abstract

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia is a monotypic, cosmopolitan species occurring in North America, North Europe, Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. There are only three European populations of approximately 4,500 breeding pairs along the coasts of the Caspian, Black, and Baltic Seas. It’s the largest of the terns, with a wingspan averaging. It has a body length of 48 - 56 cm, a weight of 570-780 gram and a wing span of 127-140 cm. Its size, stout red bill, and lack of a deeply forked tail distinguishes it from other white terns found in the state. Its black cap, large red bill, and tern-like habit of flying slowly with its bill pointed downward separates it from the gulls. The low harsh call of the Caspian tern sounds similar to karrr or kraa-ah and is given frequently while in flight. The orange feet of immature birds distinguish them from fall-plumaged adults which have black feet. Recently it was recorded for the first time in Lebanon in 15th of September 2021 at Cheikh Zennad, Akkar District, North Lebanon by Michel Sawan.