OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Sternula ("diminutive of Sterna - black tern) albifrons ("white forehead")
Adult Little Tern (subspecies S. a. albifrons) at Rye Harbour, Kent - May 2012
Featured Subspecies: Sterna albifrons albifrons
Weight: 50g / Length: 20-28cm / Wingspan: 45-55cm
UK AMBER LIST / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
The Little Tern is the smallest and one of the rarest species of Tern in the UK - it requires undisturbed shingle on while to nest which is difficult to find in this modern age - with dog walkers and the like disturbing them preventing them from nesting, and as a species which is a notoriously poor breeder this is a bit of a problem. They are much smaller than other terns found in the UK, and the telltale sign is their yellow beak with a black tip which gives them away. A charming little bird, the best places to see them are protected sites where fences keep them safe from predators and humans.
Related Species:
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Sternidae
Genus: Sternula
Subspecies: S. a. albifrons, S. a. guineae, S. a. sinensis
- Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - Rare and very local breeding Summer migrant (1,900 pairs)
- Birds seen at publicized colony at Rye Harbour in May 2015
- SICILY 2018 TRIP - Seen from Syracuse
- SICILY 2018 TRIP - Seen from Syracuse
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red-List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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