Species Factsheet
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Threatened
and Endangered Species Factsheet |
 Photo: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
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Description: This swallow-like bird is the smallest of the American terns. These eight- to nine- inch birds have black “crown” on their head, a snowy whiter underside and forehead, grayish back and wings, and a wingspan of 20 inches. The short legs and webbed feet of the male are orange; those of the female pale yellow. Immature birds have a dark bill, a dark gray eye stripe, a white forehead, and a dusky brown cap. Young birds acquire adult plumage characteristics during their second year. Wintering birds are paler than breeding birds and are identifiable by their brownish-black bill, dark gray eye stripe, and white and black feathers on the head. The orange legs and feet become a pale yellow. Habitat: From late April to August, terns use barren to sparsely vegetated sandbars along rivers, sand and gravel pits, or lake and reservoir shorelines as their habitat. Feeding habits: Least terns hunt by hovering, searching and then diving from a height of a few feet to 30 feet above the surface of standing or flowing water to snatch small fish in their bills. Current Iowa range: Pottawattamie and Woodbury counties. Do something WILD!: Form your own birdwatching club and learn how to identify various birds that make Iowa their home.  Back
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