Species BirdsRoseate Tern

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

RareBird
Illustration of Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)

The Roseate Tern is a slender seabird with a striking pale pink hue during breeding season and a long, pointed bill. A memorable fact is its graceful flight and aerial displays during courtship.

Habitat
Nests on sandy beaches and coastal islands.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small fish caught by diving.
How common
Rare

Not certain it is a Roseate Tern? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Roseate Tern sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Roseate Tern? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Roseate Tern is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love birds? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More birds

Ross's Goose
Ross's Goose
Anser rossii
Rosy-faced Lovebird
Rosy-faced Lovebird
Agapornis roseicollis
Rough-legged Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopus
Royal Tern
Royal Tern
Thalasseus maximus
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Corthylio calendula
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Ruddy Duck
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis