Bird Checklists of the United States

The sooty tern sports long, narrow wings, is black on top and white on the neck and stomach. The forked tail, harsh screeching calls, and extensive breeding colonies distinguish them as Johnston's most abundant bird with an estimated 150,000 breeding pairs on the small outer islands. It has a brash, somewhat aggressive personality when in breeding colonies and will readily walk or fly up to intruders. Breeding activity can be unpredictable, and can occur throughtout the year.