Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

Roseate terns have a wide distribution range, and are found on six continents around the world. However, numbers have declined dramatically in some regions, leading to conservation concerns over the long-term survival of the species.

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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

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Roseate Tern can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Roseate Tern is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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