Sooty Tern

Identification:
A medium-sized black and white tern, similar in appearance to Bridled Tern (a rare nester in the Tortugas).  Flight capable juveniles are predominantly black all over with the exception of white undertail coverts.  

Breeding: 
Colonial Nester.  Only nests in the Dry Tortugas, though nesting has been recorded in Franklin County , the Tampa region, and Key West in the past.  Breeding generally starts in February in the Tortugas, though nesting has been recorded as early as December.  

Clutch Size: 
1 egg

Incubation:
29 days

Fledge:
55-60 days

Breeding Bird Atlas Account