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Little Tern
Sterna albifons
Conservation Status
Endangered species in New South Wales (Threatened Species Conservation Act). At a national level, it is listed as a migratory species in the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
What does it look like?
It is a small, slender, migratory seabird (less than 25cm long). It has pale grey upperparts and a white chest, underbelly and a moderately long, deeply forked tail (8-11cm). The Little Tern has a black cap and black outer wing-edges. When breeding, the bill and legs change from black to yellow and a black wedge appears from the bill to the eye. Out of breeding time the black cap shrinks to a black nape and its bill becomes black. – from DEC-NSW Threatened Species
Where does it live?
The species is mostly coastal, however will occasionally occur further inland using harbours, inlets and rivers but still within a few kilometres of the sea shore. It is found on the north, east and south-east Australian coasts. The Little Tern arrives in NSW from September to November, when it migrates from Asia to breed. There has been one recording in Pittwater (date unknown).
What does it eat and what is its life cycle?
It forages on small fish, crustaceans, insects, annelids and molluscs. It gathers in small colonies to nest in low dunes or sandy beaches, near estuary mouths or coastal lakes. Nests consist of a scrape in the sand and may be lined with shell grit, seaweed or small pebbles.
Updated: 21 Jun 2011
Related Links
- DEC - NSW Threatened Species Profile - Little Tern