Roseate Tern

The Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) is a delicate seabird with a slender build and an ethereal presence. Its name, 'roseate', is a nod to the subtle pink blush gracing its underparts during the breeding season. This small to medium-sized tern measures 33–36 cm in length and boasts a wingspan of 67–76 cm.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing the Roseate Tern can be a delightful challenge for birdwatchers. It bears a resemblance to the Common and Arctic terns, and to some extent, the larger Sandwich Tern. Key identification features include its black bill with a red base, which becomes more pronounced as the breeding season progresses. The bill is shorter and the wingbeats quicker than those of its relatives. The upper wings present a pale grey, while the underparts are white, contributing to its pale appearance in flight. Adults are adorned with long, flexible tail streamers and orange-red legs. In summer, the pinkish tinge of the underparts is most evident.

Habitat

Roseate Terns are coastal birds, favoring sandy beaches and rocky islands for their nesting grounds. They are often found in the company of other seabirds, forming mixed colonies.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, with geographical races found from the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America to east Africa, across the Indian Ocean to Japan, and in Australia and New Caledonia.

Behaviour

The Roseate Tern is a marine specialist, seldom straying from the salty sea air. It is known for its plunge-diving technique to catch fish, a behavior it prefers over freshwater fishing. Courtship involves the male presenting fish to the female, a tender gesture that strengthens their bond.

Song & Calls

The call of the Roseate Tern is a distinctive 'chuwit', reminiscent of the Spotted Redshank's call and quite unlike the vocalizations of other tern species.

Breeding

Breeding takes place in colonies, where the Roseate Tern lays one to two eggs, occasionally three, in a ground scrape. The species is less aggressive in defending its young compared to other terns, sometimes relying on the protective instincts of nearby Arctic and Common terns.

Similar Species

The Roseate Tern can be confused with the Common Tern, Arctic Tern, and Sandwich Tern. However, its bill coloration, wingbeat speed, and the pink hue of its underparts during breeding season are distinguishing features.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily feeding on fish caught in marine environments, the Roseate Tern occasionally exhibits kleptoparasitic behavior, stealing fish from other seabirds, such as puffins, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Conservation status

The Roseate Tern is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, certain populations have faced declines due to hunting in the 19th century and more recent threats such as predation and competition from increasing gull populations. Conservation efforts, including the provision of nest boxes, have seen some success in reversing declines at certain colonies. The species is protected under various international agreements and national conservation plans, with particular attention given to the effects of global warming on its food sources.