Roseate Tern
Sterna dougallii
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Roseate Tern is a slender, medium-sized seabird with pale grey upperparts and white underparts. Its long, forked tail and black cap are distinctive features.
During the breeding season, adults develop a rosy pink tinge on their underparts, giving the species its name. The bill is red with a black tip.
In winter, the black cap recedes, leaving a white forehead, the tail plumes are noticeably shorter, and the bright-red-orange legs, feet and bill become duller.
Juveniles have a mottled brown pattern on their backs and wings, with a greyish-black cap and shorter tail streamers than adults.
Size
Length
33cm to 41cm
Wingspan
72cm to 80cm
Weight
95g to 130g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Grey
Secondary Colour
Black Pink
Beak Colour
Black Red Orange
Leg Colour
Red Orange
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Roseate Terns inhabit coastal regions worldwide, including tropical and temperate zones. They prefer offshore islands, rocky coasts, and sandy beaches for breeding. During non-breeding seasons, they disperse widely across oceans.
Significant breeding populations can be found in the northeastern United States, parts of the UK, and eastern Australia. Wintering areas include the Caribbean and West Africa for North Atlantic populations.
Three large breeding colonies exist in North America: Great Gull Island in New York, with more than 9,500 pairs, and Ram Island and Bird Island in Massachusetts, which host 2,500 and 3,000 pairs, respectively.
Rockabill Island, in County Dublin, is the species’ largest European colony, accounting for more than 75 per cent of the continent’s population.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Roseate Tern. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Roseate Terns are exceptionally agile flyers, capable of swift and precise movements. Their ability to plunge-dive from heights of up to 20 metres to catch fish demonstrates remarkable aerial dexterity and control.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for their size, Roseate Terns possess sufficient strength to catch and carry fish. Their slender build suggests moderate strength, adequate for their lifestyle but not exceptional.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These birds show good adaptability, inhabiting various coastal environments globally and adjusting to different climates. Their ability to nest in diverse locations, from sandy beaches to rocky crevices, further demonstrates their adaptiveness.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Roseate Terns are known for their aggressive defence of nesting sites against predators and intruders. This protective behaviour, especially during breeding season, indicates a high level of aggression when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
With their long-distance migratory habits and ability to dive repeatedly for fish, Roseate Terns exhibit impressive endurance. Their capacity to live for over 25 years in the wild also suggests robust stamina and resilience.
Diet
Roseate terns are fish eaters, catching their prey by plunge-diving, spotting prey from the air before swiftly diving to catch it just below the water's surface. Sand lance, blueback herring, striped anchovies, Atlantic herring and bay anchovies are among the most popular species.
Occasionally, they may also consume small crustaceans, squid and insects. They may be observed to mob other seabirds in order to steal their prey, with puffins and brown pelicans frequently being targeted in this way.
Behaviour
Roseate Terns are graceful flyers. They are often seen diving into the water from up to 20 meters in height to catch fish.
They are colonial nesters, forming tight-knit groups during breeding season. These birds are known for aggressively defending nesting sites against predators and intruders.
Vocalisation
The Roseate Tern's call is a distinctive, harsh 'kir-rick' or 'kee-ack'. During courtship, they produce a softer, purring sound. When alarmed, they emit a sharp, staccato 'kik-kik-kik'.
Their vocalisations are generally higher-pitched and more musical than those of other tern species.
Nesting & Breeding
Roseate Terns typically form monogamous pairs and breed in colonies, often alongside other tern species. The breeding season varies by location but generally occurs between April and July in the Northern Hemisphere.
Nests are simple scrapes in sand, rock crevices, or among vegetation, sometimes lined with shells or pebbles. Females usually lay 1-2 eggs, which are pale brown with dark speckles.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 23-24 days. Chicks fledge after 27-30 days but continue to receive parental care for several more weeks as they learn to fish independently.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Despite being listed as Least Concern globally, Roseate Tern populations face regional challenges. Habitat loss, predation, and climate change impact breeding success.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites, managing predators, and creating artificial nesting habitats to support population recovery.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
200,000 - 220,000 individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Roseate Terns in coastal areas, especially near sandy or rocky islands.
- Observe their distinctive forked tail and listen for their characteristic 'kir-rick' call.
- Visit known breeding colonies in the summer months for the best chance of sightings.
- In the UK, try birdwatching at Coquet Island in Northumberland or North Solent in Hampshire.
Additional Information
Predators
Main predators include gulls, skuas, rats, and introduced mammals like minks and foxes. Peregrine falcons occasionally prey on adult Roseate Terns.
Did You Know?
- Roseate Terns can live for over 25 years, making them one of the longest-lived tern species.
- They are capable of diving up to 40 cm deep to catch fish.
- Roseate Terns often return to the same breeding colony year after year, showing high site fidelity.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Sterna dougallii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22694601A132260491.
View source - 2
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 3
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source
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