california least tern

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photo by Anthony Mercieca©

(Sterna antillarum browni)

Least terns are migratory, arriving in California in the spring of each year. They inhabit bays and lagoons and forms breeding colonies in the adjacent open sandy beaches, dunes, or disturbed sites. Intense coastal development and increased human activity on beaches have seriously effected populations. Least terns have been recorded breeding at the mouth of the Sweetwater River and nearby areas in southern San Diego Bay. They have also been recorded rarely at the Sweetwater Reservoir, presumably to feed on abundant bait fish. The California least tern was federally listed as endangered in 1970, State endangered in 1971. Current species management within its range in the California focuses on creation and protection of breeding sites and predator control to increase nest production.