Quick identification
Least tern (Sternula antillarum)
A tiny tern with rapid wingbeats, yellow bill, white forehead and black cap in breeding plumage.
Season and local range: Spring and summer breeder.
Habitat and island setting
Open sand and shell nesting areas near shallow water, plus Gulf and lagoon feeding zones.
Where to look
Watch feeding birds from the shoreline in warm months, but keep well outside roped nesting areas on open beach and flats. Birds may move as tides, wind, fronts, water levels and activity at the site change.
What the bird is doing
Colonies nest directly on bare ground. Alarmed adults may dive at intruders; that response means leave immediately and give chicks room.
Watching birds
Use binoculars or a camera zoom, stay on public paths and leave feeding, resting and nesting birds enough room to continue normal behavior. If a bird stops feeding, stands alert, calls repeatedly or moves away because of you, increase the distance. Check access information in the South Padre Island birding guide before making a special trip.