The Least Tern is the smallest North American tern and is federally listed as endangered on the interior US. It nests in small scrapes on open beaches and sandbanks, where it is highly vulnerable to disturbance and flooding. The yellow bill with black tip and white forehead patch in breeding plumage are distinctive. It is extremely aggressive in defense of its colony.
Best time to see a Least Tern
The best time to see a Least Tern is April–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 13,043 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Least Tern? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Least Tern sightings near you
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