Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

Rare Summer visitors from April-October with 850 breeding pairs in Britain, including 750 in Ireland.

Also breeds in mainland Europe & Eastern North America.

Adults have a thin sharp bill is black, with a red base which develops through the breeding season.

In summer, the underparts of Adults take on the pinkish tinge which gives this bird its name.

In winter, the forehead becomes white and the bill black.

Juveniles have a scaly appearance like juvenile Sandwich Terns, but a fuller black cap than that species.

The call  is a very characteristic chuwit, similar to that of the Spotted Redshank, quite distinct from other terns.