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.
Habitat
Sandy beaches and riverine sandbanks from the Atlantic Coast to the Great Plains
Diet
Small fish caught by hovering and plunge-diving in shallow water
How common
Uncommon
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