Aug 2, 2015 · Least Terns dart over waterways, usually close to shore, diving for fish or other small prey. Males bring small fish to females for courtship feeding during much of the nesting season. Flight is strong and direct, on stiff, jerky, rapid wingbeats.

Sep 7, 2024 · Discover the fascinating world of the Least Tern in this comprehensive guide! Learn how to identify this small bird by its unique features and remarkable hunting techniques. Explore its preferred sandy habitats, migratory patterns, and nesting behaviors.

Aug 24, 2024 · Discover the Least Tern: a nimble beach dweller known for its diving mastery, distinct looks, and resilience amid climate threats. Explore its unique story.

Mar 3, 2024 · Some of the mammals that prey on least terns or their eggs include: Foxes – Red foxes and gray foxes will dig up and consume tern eggs. They may also grab adult terns and fledglings. Raccoons – These opportunistic omnivores readily eat tern eggs and chicks when they can access nesting colonies.

Least terns are the smallest member of the gull and tern family. They are approximately 9" in length. Unlike gulls, terns will dive into the water for small fish. The body of least terns is predominately gray and white, with black streaking on the head. Least terns have a forked tail and narrow pointed wings.

Jul 14, 2022 · Least terns are properly named, they’re our smallest tern, and thin. They slice through the air, buoyant and bouncy, on clipped wingbeats, patrolling the waters below.

Everything about the Least Tern is sharp, from its brilliant yellow bill, to its crisp black-and-white head pattern, to its slender pointed wings and forked tail. This smallest of the world's terns is a noisy presence around its breeding colonies and in coastal waters or broad inland rivers.

California Least Terns (Sternula antillarum browni) can be seen plunge-diving for fish at several East Bay locations in the summer but seeing them nesting is more difficult. Traditionally, Least Terns make scrapes in the sand to lay their two or three eggs, but with beaches full of people and dogs, the terns have found other nest sites.

Least Terns feed almost entirely on small fish. They catch fish by diving, usually in fairly shallow water, often hovering briefly before diving. They also occasionally eat shrimp, tadpoles, flying insects, and ants.

Apr 18, 2017 · There is no mistaking a Least Tern: they were back! Though they weight less than two ounces, Least Terns migrate from South America to the West, East, and Gulf Coast to breed on dunes or flat gravel roofs (there are also populations in the middle of the United States).