Little Tern
Little Tern
50
11 hours ago
The Little Tern is the smallest tern species, identifiable by its rapid, buoyant flight and a distinctive yellow bill with a black tip. These agile hunters snatch small fish directly from the water's surface.
Where to spot
Found along coastal areas, estuaries, large rivers, and lakes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They prefer sandy or shingle beaches for nesting.
How to spot
Its very small size, rapid wingbeats, and yellow bill with a black tip are key identification marks. Look for them hovering over shallow water before darting down to catch prey. Listen for their high-pitched 'kwick' call.
When to spot
Best seen during the breeding season in spring and summer in temperate regions. They are present year-round in tropical parts of their range, with many populations being migratory.
Where to spot
Found along coastal areas, estuaries, large rivers, and lakes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They prefer sandy or shingle beaches for nesting.
How to spot
Its very small size, rapid wingbeats, and yellow bill with a black tip are key identification marks. Look for them hovering over shallow water before darting down to catch prey. Listen for their high-pitched 'kwick' call.
When to spot
Best seen during the breeding season in spring and summer in temperate regions. They are present year-round in tropical parts of their range, with many populations being migratory.
Credits:
Door Cory, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=793741
Credits:
By MHOvi07 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=163377632
Despite their small size, some populations of Little Terns undertake incredibly long migrations, traveling from northern Europe all the way to southern Africa for the winter.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 1643 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 11 hours ago
Monthly observations
6 observations
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