‘Unexpected visitor:’ Rare bird known for its beauty spotted in Ohio

HURON, Ohio (WJW) – A rare bird known for its beauty was spotted in northern Ohio recently and may be the first of its kind ever documented in the state.

Naturalist and author Kenn Kaufman posted a picture of the bird he identifies as an adult Roseate Tern to social media on July 7, 2024. He wrote that the bird was first spotted in Huron the day prior and has since attracted “scores of birders enjoying great views of this unexpected visitor.”

The pictures and post were shared by the Ohio Division of Wildlife which simply wrote, “Rare bird alert!”

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service , roseate terns are divided into two populations based on their breeding locations. The Northeastern population is listed as endangered while the Caribbean population is listed as threatened.

“Unfortunately, the bird’s beauty led to its decline as hunters shot them indiscriminately to decorate hats in the late 1800s,” wrote the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Since the 1930s, the species began to rebound when hunting was banned and many of its breeding colonies were protected. Nevertheless, the two populations remain small and vulnerable.”

Kaufman, who published a Field Guide to Birds of North America in 2000, said the rare sighting is the first one ever documented in Ohio.

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