ExploreBirds

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

The Least Tern is a small, graceful bird that loves to live near the ocean. It has a sweet, high-pitched call and is known for its quick dives to catch fish in the water.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Least Tern is the smallest tern, featuring a distinctive black cap, white forehead patch, and a slender yellow bill with a black tip. Its back is pale gray, contrasting with a white belly and forked tail. These markings help it blend into sandy coastal environments.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusSternula
Least Tern
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Least Tern

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A Least Tern chick can walk and hide just hours after hatching from its egg!

Both mom and dad Least Terns share the job of incubating eggs and feeding their babies!

Least Terns make simple nests called scrapes directly on sandy beaches or gravel.

They often nest in colonies, with many other terns nearby for safety in numbers!

Special abilities

Ability

Precision Plunge

Least Terns can dive headfirst into shallow water to catch small fish, using their keen eyesight to spot prey.

Ability

Beach Blending

Least Terns have speckled eggs and chicks that perfectly camouflage with sandy shores, hiding them from predators.

Ability

Winged Wanderer

Least Terns possess long, pointed wings that allow for efficient, rapid flight across vast migratory distances.

Measurements & details

Length
21-24 cm
Wingspan
48-53 cm
Weight
0.035-0.055 kg
Lifespan
5-15 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1-4
Incubation
19-25 days
Migration Distance
6000 km

Diet & Feeding

These tiny birds mainly eat small fish and shrimp they catch by diving!

Primary Foods

  • silversides
  • anchovies
  • killifish
  • shrimp
  • small crabs

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a Least Tern, watch quietly from a distance so you don't scare it away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Least Tern?

21-24 cm

What is Least Tern's wingspan?

48-53 cm

How much does Least Tern weigh?

0.035-0.055 kg

How long does Least Tern live?

5-15 years

How fast can Least Tern move?

60 km/h

What does Least Tern eat?

These tiny birds mainly eat small fish and shrimp they catch by diving!

Where is Least Tern usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Least Tern hunt?

Pursuit

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