Shorebirds

Tiny tern with yellow bill and quick hovering fishing style.

The Least Tern is the smallest tern in North America and a familiar summer resident on sandy beaches. These agile birds hover over shallow water before plunging down to catch tiny fish. Because they nest directly on open sand, their eggs and chicks are extremely vulnerable to disturbance.

How to Identify the Least Tern
Very small tern with pale gray wings, black cap, white forehead, and bright yellow bill.

Where You'll See Them
Open sandy beaches, sandbars, and coastal lagoons during nesting season.

What They Eat
Small fish and shrimp caught in shallow coastal waters.

When to Spot Them
Late spring through summer in breeding areas.

Fun Facts
Least Terns sometimes nest in loose colonies directly on beach sand.

Beach Etiquette Tip
Respect posted nesting areas—chicks hide in the sand and are hard to see.

Related Shorebirds
Common Tern
Royal Tern
Sandwich Tern