Roseate Tern Photo Gallery
Breeding adult
Flies with stiff, but shallow rowing wingbeats. Note black cap and long forked tail.
© Alix d'Entremont / Macaulay LibraryNova Scotia, July 29, 2020Breeding adult
Nests and roosts on rocky islands in colonies with other terns.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryMaine, July 12, 2012Not all videos have soundBreeding adult
Medium-sized, very pale gray tern with a long forked tail. Bill color varies from entirely black to having orange at the base depending on time of year. Note black crown and rounded head.
© Shawn Billerman / Macaulay LibraryNew York, June 10, 2017Breeding adult
The long, forked tail extends beyond the wingtips when resting. The pale rose color on the belly for which it is named is often not visible.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, August 14, 2016Juvenile
Juveniles have a scaly looking back and a smudgy crown and forehead.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, August 14, 2016Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers(Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Laridae)
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