Tern - Roseate

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Graceful Tern Scientific Name: Sterna dougallii

Basic Info

The Roseate Tern is a beautiful species of wild bird. They have very long, distinctive beaks, perfectly adapted to grabbing fish from the water. They have little black patches on their heads and white underbellies and backs, and their wings are in general a grayish color. If it is breeding season, a small transformation will take place, and their legs and bills will turn a reddish color.

Health

Breeding The Roseate Tern can be found breeding in both Pacific and Atlantic oceans, as well as the Indian Ocean.

Habitat

Usually found only along the coastlines of islands that have sandy or pebble beaches

Behavior

The Roseate Tern is perhaps best known for its long, forked tail. These are beautiful seabirds that delight any bird watcher lucky enough to see one. Roseate Terns, also known as "Graceful Terns" are usually found only along the coastlines of islands that have sandy or pebble beaches. They are also seen in open grassy areas near the coastline. So adapted are these birds to their habitats that they are known to build their nests in the very driftwood that rests along the beach. In the wild Roseate Terns fly along the surface of the water to feed on small fish that come close to the top. Sadly the Roseate Tern is critically endangered. There are several key factors, which have lead to the decline of the Roseate Tern. Humans have been known to upset colonies of these birds, and they are also hunted by many natural predators, including rats, owls, falcons. Their numbers dwindle every year, and thus, several conservation groups are keeping a very close eye on the Roseate. They are relatively long-lived for a bird - they are suspected to live up to nine years in some cases. Overall, the Roseate is a rare bird that is fairly close to extinction. Hopefully, the conservation groups watching it can maintain its safety.

Origin

North America

History

The Roseate Tern can generally be described as a tropical bird. They are seen breeding along the Pacific, Atlantic and India Oceans. Populations of these birds are seen in two distinct locations, the first is along the Caribbean Sea and the second is the coastal areas ranging from Nova Scotia to New York. Researchers still do not have much information on their wintering range.

Common Foods

N/A