2013 Bonanza Bird #2: Least Tern

July 2, 2013 in Birdorable Bonanza 2013 and Terns with 3 comments

We're adding new birds each day until we reach our 500th Birdorable species! Today's Bonanza bird is the Least Tern.

Gift-giving is part of the pair formation in Least Terns. Male terns will perform a "Fish Flight Display", carrying a small fish in his bill while calling out and landing with a gliding manoeuver. The ritual may end when the male gifts the fish to a female.

Least Tern courtship by Kenneth Cole Schneider (CC BY-ND 2.0)

In the USA, Least Terns are a species of concern in many states. Least Terns traditionally nest on sandy beaches, but will also use gravel-surfaced rooftops or man-made nesting platforms. Conservationists provide these additional nesting habitats to help preserve the species.

Tomorrow our 2013 Bonanza continues with the addition of a small European songbird with a big personality.

Comments

Louise Warner on March 29, 2017 at 4:30 PM wrote:

crested tit?

Spurwing Plover on July 7, 2021 at 2:54 AM wrote:

A hit song from The Byrds TERN TERN TERN

Spurwing Plover on May 22, 2022 at 9:13 PM wrote:

Some years ago some Least Terns took upa a rea and Camp Penalton Marine Base they chlose a area with good protection

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