Canada (P), Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Russia (Asian), Singapore, USA (B).
Vagrant to United Kingdom.
Unknown to Japan, Malaysia, Philippines.
Sakhalin through Sea of Okhotsk to Kamchatka and perhaps other sites in Bering Sea; Alaska, on Bering and Pacific coasts, from Chukchi Sea and Kotzebue Sound south to Aleutian Is, and east to delta of Copper R and Dry Bay; has bred in Japan (Hokkaido). Main wintering area unknown, although some birds in Philippines.
Population
Estimated population is 30,000 - 35,000 (2010).
Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion aleuticus) [XC139646]
by Andrew Spencer from Kalsin Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska, United States (call)
Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion aleuticus) [XC401884]
by Steve Hampton from Noglikskiy Rayon, Sakhalinskaya oblast', Russian Federation (alarm call, flight call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)
Slightly larger. Wings and back are pale grey or white. Legs are orange-red. Bill is entirely red or red with a black tip. Tail streamers extend well beyond wings at rest.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Non-breeding with non-breeding. Lores are white. Crown is white with a blackish nape. Wings and back are paler grey. Trailing edge of underwing secondaries lack a dark band.
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BirdLife International Species Factsheet