The little tern is a seabird of the family Laridae. It was first described by the German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas in 1764 and given the binomial name Sterna albifrons. It was moved to the genus Sternula when the genus Sterna was restricted to the larger typical terns. The genus name Sternula is a diminutive of Sterna, 'tern', while the specific name albifrons is from Latin albus, 'white', and frons, 'forehead'.
Region
Europe, North Africa, and Asia-Pacific coasts
Typical Environment
Breeds along sandy coasts, estuaries, lagoons, and river mouths across temperate Europe and Asia, with some inland colonies on rivers and lakes. Winters farther south along warm coasts in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. Prefers open, sparsely vegetated substrates for nesting, often on low-lying sand or gravel spits. Foraging occurs in shallow coastal waters, tidal flats, and calm inshore zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little tern is a tiny, agile seabird that nests on sandy or shingle beaches and riverine sandbars, where its eggs and chicks are well camouflaged but vulnerable to disturbance. It was formerly placed in Sterna and is now in Sternula, reflecting its smaller size. Conservation efforts often include fencing or seasonal beach closures to protect nesting colonies. It feeds by hovering over shallow water and making quick plunge-dives for small fish.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering; agile plunge-diver
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies on open sand or shingle, scraping a shallow nest depression. Typically monogamous within a season, with courtship involving fish-carrying displays. Clutch usually 1–3 eggs; chicks are downy and precocial, relying on camouflage and parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
High-pitched, sharp, and repetitive calls, often rendered as ‘kik’ or ‘kit’. Alarm and contact calls are insistent and carry well over surf and wind.
Plumage
Pale grey upperparts with clean white underparts; in breeding plumage, a black cap contrasts with a neat white forehead. Non-breeding birds show a dusky eye-stripe and mottled crown. Juveniles are scaly-looking above with buff and dark mottling.
Diet
Takes small fish such as sand eels and sprats, as well as small crustaceans and occasional aquatic insects. Hunts by hovering low over clear, shallow water and dropping in a quick, shallow plunge. Often picks prey from the surface or just below, rarely diving deeply. Feeding success depends on calm conditions and good water clarity.
Preferred Environment
Shallow coastal lagoons, estuaries, sheltered bays, and surf edges near sandy beaches. Also forages over quiet stretches of rivers and lakes near breeding sites.
