Roseate Tern
Sterna dougallii
Length 38cm

Rarest breeding tern in Britain and threatened throughout world range. Rather similar to Arctic and common terns but adult has red-based black bill, long tail streamers and pinkish flush to breast and underparts in summer. In autumn, birds usually lack long tail streamers. Looks rather short-winged in flight compared to other terns. Present from May to August at breeding colonies, mainly in Ireland, N Wales and Firth of Forth; a few pairs can be seen on Farne Islands each year. Seen on migration around other coasts. Sometimes parasitises other terns returning to colonies with fish. Utters distinctive disyllabic call.