GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri)

Species Code: STFO

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is, locally, fairly common in freshwater bodies and marshes of eastern Washington, from the Potholes region south along the Columbia River to the Tri-Cities. They are less common farther west along the Columbia River to Klickitat County. They were found to nest on gravel bars and islands in the Potholes area.

Good habitat in the core areas of use included all freshwater ponds, lakes, and marshes in the Central Arid Steppe and Canyon Grasslands zones in the Potholes area of Grant and Adams Counties, and south along the Columbia River into Klickitat.

Nonbreeders or migrants may be found beyond the mapped area in the summer, but the chief breeding area is along Winchester Wasteway, Moses Lake, Potholes Reservoir, Lower Crab Creek, and various ponds in the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge in Grant and Adams Counties.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester