Deep Dive: Least Tern

by Chris Anderson on June 11, 2023
Have you heard of Least Terns? These birds are part of the same family as gulls and they’re actually the smallest member.1 They stand about 8-9 inches tall and weigh just under 2 ounces. They have a wingspan that can reach up to 20 inches.2
 
These birds have gray and white feathers on their bodies with black markings on their head. Their bills and legs are yellow.2 They are migratory birds and they’ll nest in colonies with other pairs.3
 
When it’s time for mating season, males will bring food to the females.2 Eggs are usually laid in the spring, and males and females share incubation duties. And here’s something fascinating – the appearance of the eggs will be different depending on where they’re laid. The eggs and the down on the offspring, once they’re hatched, will match their surroundings.4 
 
These birds will migrate down into Mexico and Central America during the wintertime. Because they’re migratory, they’re protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
 
Learn More About Prey with Owl Pellets!
 
Teaching students about the food chain is easy through owl pellet dissection! Students can practice their dissection skills and as they do, they’ll discover the bones of what the owl ate. They can then identify what prey owls eat in their habitats and learn about the relationship between predators and prey
 
Our pack comes with paddle picks, forceps, charts, and a free copy of our Habitat, Habits, and Prey eGuide! 
Sources:
  1. https://www.fws.gov/species/least-tern-sterna-antillarum
  2. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Least_Tern/id#
  3. https://gf.nd.gov/wildlife/id/shorebirds/least-tern
  4. https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/california_least_tern 


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