Sooty Tern

The Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscatus) is a spectacular black-and-white seabird that graces Dominica’s skies during its long flights over the open ocean and occasionally nests on remote islets and rocky coastal outcrops. This highly pelagic species is most often seen in flight—soaring, gliding, and calling in large, energetic flocks. Although Dominica is not one of its major breeding grounds in the Caribbean, the Sooty Tern is considered a seasonal visitor and potential nester on uninhabited offshore rocks and cays around the island.

Appearance and Identification of the Sooty Tern

Sooty Terns are large terns, measuring about 43–48 cm (17–19 inches) in length with a wingspan of up to 100 cm (39 inches). They have glossy black upperparts, a white forehead and underparts, and long, pointed wings. Their tail is forked but less pronounced than in some other terns. In flight, they appear agile, fast, and highly buoyant, often flying in wide circles far offshore.

They are most easily identified by their loud, harsh calls—described as a fast series of “ker-wack-wack-wack” sounds—which echo across nesting colonies and open water.

Habitat and Occurrence in Dominica

The Sooty Tern is mostly pelagic, spending months at sea and only coming to land to breed. In Dominica, sightings are typically:

• Far offshore from Scotts Head, Grand Bay, and Rosalie Bay – Particularly during the dry season or following strong winds.
• Around isolated offshore rocks or cays – Possible nesting has been suggested but is not officially confirmed.
• Occasional sightings near fishing boats or after storms – When birds may be drawn closer to land.

Their preferred breeding areas in the Lesser Antilles include smaller, predator-free islets with flat sandy or rocky terrain, making any such locations around Dominica ecologically significant.

Behavior and Birdwatching Tips

The Sooty Tern spends nearly all its life in the air, feeding on small fish and squid snatched from the ocean surface. It rarely rests on the water and is known for dynamic, fast-paced aerial foraging.

To observe Sooty Terns:

• Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to coastal lookouts during peak seabird movement seasons (typically March–August).
• Look for fast, black-and-white terns in tight flocks far out to sea.
• Scan skies near Cabrits National Park, Scotts Head, or east coast headlands during high marine activity.

Nesting and Regional Importance

While not confirmed as a breeding species in Dominica, nearby islands host large colonies. Sooty Terns lay 1 egg directly on bare ground and often return to the same nesting site annually. If suitable predator-free islets exist, they may be used in the future, making local seabird monitoring important.

The Sooty Tern is a thrilling sight for seabird enthusiasts—a true aerial voyager that links Dominica to the broader rhythms of the Caribbean Sea’s marine birdlife.