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This tropical seabird is distinctive among terns with its jet-black back, black cap, and neat white forehead.
VIC: Vulnerable
At a glance
FamilyGulls, Terns, and Skimmers
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatCoastlines, harbours, offshore waters, estuaries, headlands, beaches, and large inland water when conditions suit.
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from November.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Craig Robertson
Range map
Range map
892visible hotspots
7922visible records
4states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Immature birds are entirely dark blackish with white spots on wings and a white undertail. Most similar to Bridled Tern, but darker black back, dark undersides of flight feathers, and narrower white edges on tail. Sooty Tern is found in warm tropical waters worldwide.
Behavior
It breeds in colonies on sandy islands, but otherwise usually stays far offshore, and is rarely seen near land except when blown off course by a hurricane.
Gallery