Roseate Tern vs Sandwich Tern

In short

The Roseate Tern and Sandwich Tern can be distinguished by their bill color and tail length. Roseate Terns have a black bill and longer tail streamers, while Sandwich Terns have a black bill with a yellow tip and shorter tail streamers. Both species can be found in similar habitats, often nesting in mixed colonies.

Identification tips

1. Bill color: Roseate Tern has a black bill; Sandwich Tern has a black bill with a yellow tip. 2. Tail streamers: Roseate Tern has longer tail streamers. 3. Plumage: Look for the faint pink blush on Roseate Tern during breeding season. 4. Vocalization: Listen for the Roseate Tern's 'gakkering' threat display. 5. Nesting habitat: Observe nesting associations; Sandwich Terns often nest with Royal Terns.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Roseate Tern appears more slender due to its longer tail streamers.

Plumage

Roseate Terns have a mostly white plumage with a faint pink blush during the breeding season and a black bill. Sandwich Terns have a black bill with a yellow tip and a more robust appearance. The Roseate Tern's tail streamers are noticeably longer.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar feeding behaviors, often seen plunge-diving for fish. Roseate Terns have a distinctive 'gakkering' threat display.

Habitat

Both species nest in coastal colonies, often alongside each other and other seabirds. Sandwich Terns are more commonly found nesting with Royal Terns and Laughing Gulls.

Voice

Roseate Terns have grating flight calls, while Sandwich Terns have a more typical tern-like call. The Roseate's 'gakkering' is a unique threat display.