Less but not Least: The Struggles of the Least Tern
Written by Apprentices Charlotte P
California Least Tern (Sterna antillarum browni) in flight
Introduction
Due to changes to its environment, there are less and less of the California Least Tern species, whose numbers are quickly dwindling. While its population struggles, efforts are being done to help it! The Least Tern will hopefully be able to thrive in the future, because of protected nesting sites, predator monitoring, and restored habitats.
The Least Tern is the smallest tern in the world and is about the size of a robin. It has a forked tail, pointed wings, a black cap, and a yellow, black-tipped beak. They’re sometimes called “strikers” or “little strikers” because they strike the water when hunting, and dive-bomb anyone that comes close to their nest. They will even poop on their targets! These seabirds like to nest on sandy beaches, beaches with lots of shells, places near rivers, or areas on coastlines. Their diet mainly consists of fish but also includes shrimp, and ants, which varies with the seasons. tadpoles, flying insects Terns have an interesting courtship behavior, with both the male and female terns flying up and then down while each carries a fish in their beaks. While these birds may look tiny, they’re important to maintain prey populations and keep the ecosystem balanced. (Cornell).
California Least Tern (Sterna antillarum browni) with two of its young
Struggling for Survival: The Challenges Least Terns Face
Like many other species, Least Terns are facing challenges. Habitat loss affects them badly since they aren’t the only ones that live on the coast. Least Turns are losing their homes and habitats due to coastal development. Buildings on the coast cause more human traffic on beaches. Predators such as dogs, cats, raccoons, and etc., are also attracted to those areas because of an increased amount of food and trash. These predators can trample the terns’ nests and eat their chicks and eggs. Humans are also a threat to the Least Tern’s nests since they will accidentally walk on and crush them. It is very difficult to see the nests because they way they are built, they are shallow dips in the ground. (FWC). But not all Least Terns will nest by the ocean. Nests near rivers are threatened by changes in water levels, mainly caused by water from big dams. This will cause the tern nests to be ruined and flooded. In addition, there’s been an increase in changes to the environment. It’s causing stronger storms, heat waves, and increasing water levels, adding even more to the list of struggles the Least Tern faces. (Audubon).
The Fights to Save the Least Tern
With all these problems in mind, the Least Tern definitely does not seem to have a perfect life, and its species’ population is noticeably smaller than before. However, efforts are being made to help these tiny seabirds. The U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Federal Endangered Species Act protect the Least Tern, making it possible for their population to make a recovery. (FWC). Many nesting sites now have fences to prevent nests and eggs from being destroyed. Volunteers are planting native plants and clearing out invasive ones, which can limit the amount of available nesting areas. In addition, certain programs are monitoring predators and tern nesting sites. Thanks to these efforts, the Least Tern population has greatly improved. What was once only 600 breeding pairs has now increased to over 6,000! Even though this species seems to be making a recovery, it’s still important to monitor and support this seabird. This species is vital to the ecosystem. (SDBA).
A California Least Tern (Sterna antillarum browni) incubating its eggs.
A Symbol of Coastal Conservation
The California Least Tern is an amazing bird that needs all the help they can get. This endangered species is affected by habitat loss, humans, and lastly environmental obstacles. The loss of their nests and habitats is a reminder that there are countless species on this planet that we need to support and make sure we are sharing the environment with. Like all animals, Least Terns are important to balancing ecosystems, and these birds sustain coastal and wetland environments. While it’s true there are less Least Terns than there were before, they're definitely not least.
About the Author
Charlotte enjoys watching birds and loves to draw and read in her free time. She also has two guinea pigs and Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprenticeship Program (CESAP) with the EcoLogik Institute since 2022.
References:
Cornell Lab All About Birds. (n.d). Least Tern Photo Gallery. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Least_Tern/photo-gallery/320025631
Audubon. (n.d). Least Tern
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/least-tern
Cornell Lab All About Birds (n.d). Least Tern
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Least_Tern/overview
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (n.d). Least Tern
San Diego Bird Alliance (n.d). Save the Endangered California Least Tern
https://www.sandiegobirdalliance.org/what-we-do/conservation-1/habitat-restoration.html
