Sternula albifrons
The Little Tern, *Sternula albifrons*, is the smallest and arguably one of the most elegant of the terns, a true marvel of coastal ecosystems across the Old World. Averaging just 22-28 cm (8.7-11 in) in length with a wingspan of 47-55 cm (18.5-21.7 in) and weighing a mere 40-60 g (1.4-2.1 oz), it is easily recognized by its petite stature. Adults in breeding plumage exhibit striking white underparts, pale grey upperparts, a distinctive black cap, and a sharply defined white forehead patch tha...
Found primarily along coastal and estuarine environments, including sandy beaches, shingle banks, mudflats, saltpans, and sometimes larger inland rivers and lakes, almost always at low elevations.
Feeds almost exclusively on small fish, typically under 10 cm, supplemented occasionally by crustaceans and aquatic insects, caught by plunge-diving from the air.
Little Terns are highly diurnal, active throughout the day, foraging and performing social interactions, typically roosting communally on safe, open ground at night. Their foraging strategy involves distinctive aerial hunting: they hover briefly, sometimes as high as 10 meters, before plunge-divi...
The Little Tern boasts one of the most extensive breeding ranges among seabirds, spanning across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. In Europe, they breed along coastal areas from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, extending into North Africa. Asian populations stretch from the Middle East acro...
Least Concern
- The Little Tern is the smallest tern species in the world, often weighing less than a golf ball. - Despite its small size, it undertakes impressive long-distance migrations, with some populations traveling thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds. - Their nests are incredi...