Species Profile
Little Tern
Sternula albifrons
Little Tern
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
21–25 cm
Weight
45–60 g
Wingspan
41–47 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Little Sea Swallow
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Appearance
The Little Tern is a small, slender seabird with a distinctive appearance. It has a white body, pale grey wings, and a black cap with a white forehead. Its bill is yellow with a black tip, and its legs are orange.
During the breeding season, adults display a complete black cap. Juveniles have a dark-edged grey back and a black bill. Winter plumage shows a white forehead and a darker bill.
Males and females are alike in both breeding and non-breeding plumage.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- White
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Orange
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Little Terns inhabit coastal areas worldwide, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They prefer sandy or shingle beaches, estuaries, and coastal lagoons for breeding and foraging.
In the UK, they are summer visitors, arriving in April and departing by September. They can be found along the east and south coasts of England, with smaller populations in Scotland and Ireland.
Sites with the largest colonies include Blakeney Point and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, Minsmere in Suffolk, and Langstone Harbour in Hampshire.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
Little Terns primarily feed on small fish (up to 6cm long) such as sand eels, sprats, roach, carp and herring. They also consume crustaceans and aquatic insects.
These birds hunt by hovering over water, then plunging headfirst to catch prey just below the surface, showcasing their excellent eyesight and precision.
Behaviour
Little Terns are agile flyers, often seen hovering over water before plunge-diving for prey. They are highly social, nesting in colonies and engaging in aerial displays during courtship.
These birds fiercely defend their nesting territories, dive-bombing potential predators that approach too closely.
Calls & Sounds
Little Terns have a distinctive, high-pitched call often described as a sharp 'kik-kik' or 'kee-yik', mainly heard in flight and when feeding.
During the breeding season, they become more vocal, using a variety of chattering and shrieking sounds of ‘kerre, kri-ett, kerre, kri-ett’ to communicate within the colony and warn off intruders.
Nesting & Breeding
Little Terns form monogamous pairs and breed in colonies from April to August. Courtship involves aerial displays and fish-offering rituals.
Nests are simple scrapes in sand or shingle, often lined with shells or pebbles. Females typically lay 2-3 camouflaged eggs, which are pale and speckled.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 21 days. Chicks fledge after 19-20 days but remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.
Conservation
Despite being listed as Least Concern globally, Little Tern populations face local threats. Habitat loss due to coastal development and disturbance at breeding sites are significant concerns. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting areas and raising public awareness about beach-nesting birds.
Elevation
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include gulls, crows, foxes, and rats, which target eggs and chicks. Adult Little Terns are occasionally preyed upon by larger birds of prey.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Little Terns along coastal areas, especially near estuaries and sandy beaches.
- Listen for their distinctive high-pitched 'kik-kik' calls.
- Observe their characteristic hovering and plunge-diving behaviour.
- In the UK, visit coastal reserves during the summer months for the best chance of sightings.
Did You Know?
- Little Terns are the smallest tern species found in Europe.
- They can dive from heights of up to 7 meters to catch fish.
- Some Little Terns migrate over 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles) annually between breeding and wintering grounds.
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