A nearly annual spring migrant, which is best found in late spring from June 1st-15th, though it can be found beginning in mid-May and occurs occasionally into late June and July. There have been only three fall records of this species with two in mid-August, the typical migration period for other tern species, and one in late October, an extreme outlier from the expected timing of this species. It should be noted that during the spring individuals are often present for extended periods of time, while nearly all summer and fall individuals have been single-day occurrences.
