In 1880 these graceful birds were no longer found north of Virginia. A few pairs were protected on Muckeget Island and by 1920 had increased to thousands. The same results were shown in two sheltered colonies on the New Jersey coast. On northern grounds they live peacefully with other birds but destroy Terns' eggs on southern reservations.
The bold markings and loud hah-ha-ha-ha call renders identification certain. On sandy ground there is little attempt at a nest but in the marshes quite a well-built structure is fabricated. Sets of four eggs are not rare and young are hatched in three weeks.
Atlantic coast from Massachusetts south to Gulf coast.