A tern that breeds on islands in eastern North America and the Caribbean. It flies offshore to catch small fish. Aspects of its nonbreeding life in South America and elsewhere remain poorly known.
In breeding plumage, its white body contrasts with a black cap and dark bill, and the breast may have a pale rosy tint. Its long tail is deeply forked.
It plunges into the water or skims the surface to catch small fish. In eastern North America it nests on sandy or rocky islands; in the Caribbean it also breeds on low coral islets.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.