The Roseate tern Potential Habitat dataset is a polygon layer depicting high and low potential habitat locations for Roseate tern in NC counties that have a USFWS "current" status listing.

In North Carolina, the Roseate tern (Sterna dougallii dougallii) is most likely to be seen on a barrier island as it passes through the area to and from northern breeding grounds. March through May and August through October are the most likely times to see these birds. Although sight records of this species exist for June, July, and August, these are likely non-breeding males. Only one nesting record for this species has been documented for the state within the past twenty years; however, if this species expands its range, it is likely to choose coastal areas of the state for nesting. The Roseate tern nests on isolated, less disturbed coastal islands in areas characterized by sandy, rocky, or clayey substrates with either sparse or thick vegetation. Eggs are usually laid such that grasses or overhanging objects provide shelter. They may also nest in marshes, but it is an uncommon occurrence.

Additional Species Information

NHP records used at time of model were from January 2018 and checked in June 2022. There are 2 NHP EOs for roseate tern, with both records being historic.

County Information

• NHP listed counties: Carteret, Dare

• FWS listed counties as 'current': Brunswick, Carteret, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender

• Additions proposed by reviewers: NA

For more information please click here https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/gisdot/Metadata/Atlas/TechDocs/

Datasets developed under Project ATLAS do not replace any NRTR work for future projects and may not be used as a replacement for site visits / field surveys by qualified professionals and hence should be used only as a supporting platform for decision making. Use of this dataset for project scoping or screening is merely pre-decisional.