Least Tern

Description:

This is the smallest tern of American terns. It has white, gray and black plumage. The head has a black cap that is white towards the forehead. It has narrow wings with a black edge. The Least tern has a yellow bill and yellow legs during the breeding season. It has a wingspan of approximately 20 inches.

Habitat:

Habitat: coastlines, beaches, bays, lakes, rivers, lagoons, estuaries, and salt-flats. Range: North American, northern South America, wintering in Central America and the Caribbean. Nest: Can nest as an isolated pair or in colonies. Nest are located on open ground in a shallow scrape. Least Terns have 1 brood per year consisting of 1-3 eggs. Diet: fish, crustaceans, and insects.

Notes:

Spotted this guy hanging out on the beach at San Jose. FUN FACTS: 1. The California Least Tern was listed as endangered in 1974 with a population of approximately 600 pairs. Thankfully today they number approximately 4,500 pairs. 2. Depending on the area Least Terns are listed as threatened, endangered, or as a species of concern. As of 1985 interior populations have been listed as federally endangered. Some of the main contributing factors for their decline are human impacts on their nesting habitats. Ref: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Leas...