Sooty Tern vs Least Tern

In short

The Sooty Tern and Least Tern can be distinguished by size and habitat preferences. The Sooty Tern is larger and primarily pelagic, while the Least Tern is smaller and often found along coastal beaches and rivers. Both species have similar black and white plumage, but their size and behavior are key differentiators.

Identification tips

• Size: Sooty Tern is larger.
• Habitat: Sooty Tern is pelagic; Least Tern is coastal.
• Plumage: Look for the white forehead on the Least Tern during breeding.
• Behavior: Sooty Tern rarely seen on land; Least Tern often plunge-dives.

Size

The Sooty Tern is significantly larger than the Least Tern.

Plumage

Both species have black and white plumage. The Sooty Tern has a black cap and white underparts, while the Least Tern also has a black cap but features a distinctive white forehead during the breeding season.

Behaviour

Sooty Terns are highly pelagic, rarely seen on land outside of breeding, and often feed by dipping or snatching fish in midair. Least Terns are more coastal, often seen plunge-diving for fish and exhibiting elaborate courtship displays.

Habitat

Sooty Terns are found in tropical and subtropical oceans, nesting on remote islands. Least Terns breed on coastal beaches and major rivers in North America, often in areas impacted by human activity.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature in the field; both species have typical tern calls.