Least tern
Sternula antillarum
The least tern (Sternula antillarum) is a species of tern that breeds in North America and locally in northern South America.
About the Least tern
The least tern (Sternula antillarum) is a species of tern that breeds in North America and locally in northern South America. It is closely related to, and was formerly often considered conspecific with, the little tern of the Old World. Other close relatives include the yellow-billed tern and Peruvian tern, both from South America. It is a small tern, 22–24 cm (8.7–9.4 in) long, with a wingspan of 50 cm (20 in), and weighing 39–52 g (1.4–1.8 oz). The upper parts are a fairly uniform pale gray, and the underparts white. The head is white, with a black cap and line through the eye to the base of the bill, and a small white forehead patch above the bill; in winter, the white forehead is more extensive, with a smaller and less sharply defined black cap. The bill is yellow with a small black t
Fun Facts About Least tern
- It is a small tern, 22–24 cm (8.7–9.4 in) long, with a wingspan of 50 cm (20 in), and weighing 39–52 g (1.4–1.8 oz).
- It flies over water with fast, jerky wingbeats and a distinctive hunchback appearance, with the bill pointing slightly downward.
- The least tern (Sternula antillarum) is a species of tern that breeds in North America and locally in northern South America.
- It is migratory, wintering in Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America.
Conservation Status
The Least tern is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sternula |
| Species | Sternula antillarum |
Range & Habitat
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Other species in the Laridae family: