Often seen flying low over the water, with quick deep wingbeats and shrill cries. Usually hovers before plunging into water for tiny prey; does more hovering than most terns. Populations are endangered in many areas because of human impacts on nesting areas, especially competition for use of beaches.

Smallest North American tern, with a yellow bill and white forehead. In flight, note pointed wings and black outer edge on the primaries.

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.

Dec 4, 2023 · Least Terns are visual hunters, locating prey from the air while hovering or flying low over the water. They plunge dive from flight into shallow water to catch prey. They may also pick insects and other prey from the surface while flying.

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.

The least tern is the smallest tern in North America. Least terns can reach a length between 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 centimeters) with a wingspan of 21-23 inches (53-58 centimeters) (Thompson et al., 1997). Least terns have long pointed wings and a deeply forked tail.

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.

Jun 14, 2019 · The Least Tern is the smallest of the terns at just 8 to 9 inches long. Their signature markers include a black “crown” on their head with a snowy white underside and forehead. When flying, least terns can be identified by their angular wings and pointed wingtips as well as a slightly forked tail.

Least Terns search for prey while flying or hovering 1–10 m (3-33 ft) above water, similar to methods used by other tern species. When a fish is spotted they quickly plunge to the water’s surface, but do not fully submerge.

Least Terns are often observed flying low over the water, exhibiting rapid and deep wingbeats accompanied by shrill cries. Their agile flight allows them to effortlessly glide and maneuver above the water’s surface as they search for prey.