least tern
Quick Summary
The least tern (Sterna antillarum) is a very small seabird, typically less than 25 cm (10 inches) long, making it the smallest species of tern. It is characterized by a black cap, a white body and forehead, and is found primarily in coastal areas of eastern North America and California.12
Terns, in general, are slender water birds known for their graceful flight. They inhabit coastlines and inland waters worldwide and feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans, which they catch by diving. Least terns, like other terns, are gregarious and often breed in colonies, typically on sandy coasts or river sandbars.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
