Roseate Tern

🔍 Overview

One of the UK’s rarest breeding seabirds, occasionally seen in Sussex on spring or summer passage.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Very pale plumage, long tail streamers

Black cap, mostly black bill with reddish base

Slight pink flush to underparts in breeding season

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Best chance at shoreline roosts or sea-watching points like Selsey Bill or Pagham Lagoon in May–July.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Soft, buzzing “cheew”. Tends to be in small groups or mixed flocks with Arctic/Common Terns.