Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)

The Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) is a special member of Eastern Egg Rock's bird community. It is an Endangered Species, becoming very scarce along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. More than half of the Roseate Terns in Maine nest on Eastern Egg Rock, making it a very important refuge for their survival. Some very good news is that the numbers nesting at Eastern Egg Rock have increased over the last ten years.

A Common Tern returns with a fish for its chicks

Of the three tern species nesting on Eastern Egg Rock, the Roseate Tern is most likely to put its nest in the grass and vegetation. The Arctic Tern will often nest on bare rock, whereas the Common Tern usually nests at the edge between the rocks and plants. Roseate Terns have longer legs than the other species which makes it easier for them to walk through the grass.

Listen to the calls of Roseate Terns:

Arctic Tern

All red bill
White cheeks with gray underneath
Short red legs

Common Tern

Orange-red bill with black tip
Orange or red-orange legs
Tail extends to wing tips when sitting

Roseate Tern

Bill mostly black with a hint of red at base
Very pale underneath
Very long tail extends past wingtips when sitting
Longer, red-orange legs