Little Tern
Sterna albifrons
Length 24cm

The smallest tern, easily recognised by size and colour alone. At close range, black-tipped yellow bill, yellow legs and white forehead of adult can be seen. Juvenile has dull legs and bill colour and scaly appearance to back. Present around coasts from April to August. A scarce breeding species with scattered colonies from Solent to E Anglia, also in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Excluded from many potentially suitable shingle and sandy beaches by human disturbance. Flight buoyant and frequently hovers before plunge-diving into shallow water for small fish and shrimps. Utters raucous crree-ick and other calls.