Little tern

Sternula albifrons

Key facts

Gaelic name: Steànag bheag
Length: 22 – 24cm | Wingspan: 48 – 55cm | Weight: 49 – 63g
When in the UK: April – September
Status: Amber List species; Schedule 1 species in The Wildlife and Countryside Act
Species on the Edge areas: Solway; Argyll and Inner Hebrides; Orkney; Outer Hebrides; East Coast

Species information

How to identify

The little tern is the UK’s smallest tern. It is silvery-grey above and white below, has a black cap, a black eyestripe, and a white forehead. It has a short tail, short yellowy-orange legs, and yellow bill with a black tip.

It is noisy in breeding groups and performs elaborate aerial displays. The male calls and carries a fish to attract a mate, who then chases him up high before he descends, gliding with wings in a ‘V’.

Listen to its call. (Credit: David Farrow / xeno-canto)

Migration

The little tern is a summer visitor to the UK, leaving in August to spend the winter in Africa.

Distribution

In summer, large colonies are found on the east and south coasts of Scotland and in the north and east of England.

Little tern UK distribution map. Credit: RSPB www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/little-tern

Habitat and feeding

Little terns nest on sand or shingle beaches. Unlike many seabirds, they don’t travel far for food. They feed in shallow water just offshore on fish, crustaceans and invertebrates.

Conservation status

Amber List species
Schedule 1 species in The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)

Threats

Food shortages – Overfishing of small fish is one cause, but long-tern climate change resulting in changes of fish stocks is also a hazard.
Disturbance – As once remote beaches are becoming more popular with walkers and dogs this can lead to increased disturbance.
Predation – Predation can be a problem at some sites, in particular non-native mink but also foxes, otters, and gulls.

What Species on the Edge is doing

All tern species have declined in Scotland and targeted action is needed to ensure Scotland’s coasts and islands continue to provide safe breeding zones for our visiting terns. Here at Species on the Edge, we are taking action for little terns in five of our project areas: East Coast; Solway; Argyll and the Inner Hebrides; Orkney; and the Outer Hebrides. Activity in these areas includes:

Creating additional nesting habitat away from disturbance from people
Protecting tern colonies from disturbance using signage and fencing
Engaging with local communities to increase awareness of terns and the threats they face and inspire community-led conservation action

Our work for terns

A panel from a tapestry of the east coast's most endangered species — Stitching for species on the East Coast

Species on the Edge has been delighted to work with the ‘Sutherland Stitchers’ to create a tapestry depicting eight species on the edge found on the east coast.

A model little tern in sand on a beach — Terning the Tide

Species on the Edge ‘Terning the Tide’ Project Manager, Robyn, tells us about the work being done across Scotland to secure a future for terns on our shores.

A painted model tern — Creating 3D-printed terns to signal safe breeding sites

Species on the Edge, the University of the Highlands and Islands Outer Hebrides and RSPB Scotland have been collaborating to produce 3D-printed terns to signal safe breeding sites to returning terns.

Little tern chicks and parent — Creating little tern breeding ground with Islay Airport

Species on the Edge and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited have teamed up to create safe nesting habitat for the rare little tern at Islay Airport.

Orkney little tern volunteer Nicki lies down on a beach with a camera. She smiles towards the person taking the photo. — Summer in Orkney as a Little Tern Warden

Read about Nicki’s experience of being a Little Tern Warden with Species on the Edge

Resources

Little tern | RSPB

If you are interested in learning more about little terns, or are interested in getting involved in their conservation, get in touch with your local Species on the Edge team.