Watercolor portrait of Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii
Breeds in scattered colonies on the Atla… Nests on sandy or shingle beaches, low o… Uncommon to locally common Advertising song

Learn to identify the Roseate Tern by ear. Master the "kree-ah kree-ah" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“kree-ah kree-ah”

What the Roseate Tern sounds like

The Roseate Tern is a graceful, medium-sized tern distinguished by its slender build, long tail streamers, and a delicate pinkish wash on the underparts during the breeding season. It is among the most elegant of the terns, often flying with buoyant, buoy-flapping wingbeats and agile dives for fish.

“kree-ah kree-ah”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Series of high, rasping kree-ah notes delivered by males during courtship flights over the colony. Often written as “kree-ah kree-ah”.
Don't confuse with:The Common Tern — stockier build and shorter tail that barely projects beyond wing tips when perched

Where you'll hear it

Nests on sandy or shingle beaches, low offshore islands, shell rakes, and salt-marsh islands, typically where vegetation is sparse. Forages over inshore and offshore waters, tidal rips, and occasionally nearshore lagoons.

Breeding: May–August. Post-breeding dispersal along coasts August–September. Migrates south September–October. Winters November–March in the tropics; returns north April–May.

Similar species

Common Tern

Stockier build and shorter tail that barely projects beyond wing tips when perched

Arctic Tern

Shorter legs and bill; bill entirely red in adults

Forster’s Tern

Larger head and thicker orange bill with black tip

Roseate Tern song FAQ

What does a Roseate Tern sound like?
Series of high, rasping kree-ah notes delivered by males during courtship flights over the colony. Listen for the "kree-ah kree-ah" phrase.
How do I tell a Roseate Tern from a Common Tern by sound?
Common Tern: Stockier build and shorter tail that barely projects beyond wing tips when perched; Orangey-red bill (black-tipped) rather than mostly black; Grayer upperwings lacking the silvery translucence of Roseate.
When is the best time to hear a Roseate Tern?
Breeding: May–August. Post-breeding dispersal along coasts August–September. Migrates south September–October. Winters November–March in the tropics; returns north April–May.