Roseate Tern
NameRoseate Tern
Common NameRoseate Tern
Scientific NameSterna dougallii
FamilyLaridae
Wingspan (cm)76
Length (cm)37
Weight (g)110
Plumage DetailsBreeding adults have a black cap, white underparts often with a faint pinkish blush, pale grey upperparts, and a black bill with a red base. They possess very long, white tail streamers. Non-breeding plumage is duller, with a less extensive black cap and an all-black bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive, harsh 'chiv-ik' or 'aach' call, often given in flight or at colonies. They also produce a sharp 'kree-ah' alarm call.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Roseate Tern has a widespread but fragmented global distribution, breeding in scattered colonies across temperate and tropical regions of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It winters in tropical waters.
Identifying FeaturesBlack cap, Very long white tail streamers (especially in breeding plumage), Pale grey upperparts and white underparts (often with a pink blush), Slender black bill with a red base (breeding), Graceful, buoyant flight, Plunge-diving for fish
Description
The Roseate Tern is a medium-sized tern known for its graceful flight and plunge-diving fishing technique. It is characterized by its slender body, long pointed wings, and distinctive long tail streamers, especially prominent during breeding season.
