Hello, everyone! Have you heard of the Little Tern? Today, I’d like to talk about this charming summer bird.
The Little Tern measures about 24 cm in length, similar to a thrush or a bulbul. In its summer plumage, it features a black head with a white forehead, throat, and belly, while the rest of its body is a light gray. Its yellow bill and orange legs are quite striking. In winter, its bill and legs turn black, and the white area on its forehead expands. Its tail is long and pointed, resembling that of a swallow.
Little Terns live along coastlines and riverbanks, diving into the water to catch small fish. They sometimes hover briefly while targeting their prey, a sight that is truly adorable.
One fascinating behavior observed in Little Terns is “courtship feeding,” where the male presents a fish to the female. Their nests are made on bare ground in places like riverbanks, sandy beaches, and reclaimed land, where they lay 2-3 eggs. The eggs and chicks are speckled and camouflaged, making them hard to distinguish from pebbles.
However, this bird is classified as a near-threatened species! Little Terns raise their young in colonies on open, visible grounds, working together to protect their eggs and chicks from predators. But floods and vegetation growth have reduced their breeding habitats. Thus, efforts like weeding are necessary to protect them. In Tokyo, a non-profit organization collaborates with the Sewerage Bureau to safeguard the Little Tern’s nests.
With their small bodies soaring through the sky and skillfully catching fish, the Little Tern is a delightful sight. Next time you spot one by the sea or river, watch quietly and appreciate its presence. See you next time!
For those interested in Little Tern activities (Japanese site only): NPO Little Tern Project
