Least Tern

Description:

Smallest Tern species in North America. About 9 inches in length and weigh less then 2 ounces. During breeding season they have a black cap and eye stripe which a white patch on the forehead resembles and V. Short red/orange legs and the bill is yellow with a black tip.

Habitat:

During breeding season these here come up and nest along the shores of the bays and ocean. These here feed on small young smelt,anchovy and perch in lagoon and channels. Because encroachment of humans on beaches these terns had to find other locations to nest.

Notes:

There are a few large monitored colonies location in southern California and in the bay area. This year there is evidence of some birds nesting in other areas outside the established colonies. Also this year the fish they feed on may have hatched too early and now the fish are too large for the chicks to eat. Some have died from choking on the fish or starved from not eating them.