: Breeds. mid/late May-late Aug, with from early May, on Petit Manan Island, with about 720 pairs, and Ship Island with about 1350 pairs (2024 data), and in small numbers on scattered islands in Blue Hill, Jerico and Frenchman Bays. but elsewhere late May-late Aug, mostly over inshore saltwater with concentrations of small surface fish. to where data is vexed given similarity to Arctic Tern. No records from fresh water.
: Northbound migrants other than those arriving at breeding sites not certainly detected. Southbound late Jul-early Sep with to mid Oct.
Miscellany: After leaving our waters, Common Terns probably stage for several weeks off Cape Cod before leaving for their wintering grounds in north and northeastern South America, with most of the route being southeast across the Atlantic.
Last Reviewed: April 15th, 2026