Little Tern

Sterna albifrons

(S. a. albifrons)

Armenian Name:	Փոքր ջրածիծառ
Species Status:	Threatened Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 33 for Little Tern and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Common
Length:	22-24 cm, Wing Span:48-55 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 169.
Adult:	Black cap and eye stripe with white forehead. Black-tipped yellow bill and yellow legs.
Juvenile:	Crown blackish and speckled. Bill completely dark.
Similar Species:	Differs from all other terns by very small size, yellowish bill and legs, and faster wing beats.
Behavior:	Flight bouncy with rapid stiff wingbeats. Hovers when fishing, then suddenly drops to lower height and resumes hovering.
Habitat:	Fish ponds, lakes.
Food:	Fish, invertebrates.
Nest:	Shallow ground scrape.
Eggs:	32 mm, 1-4, pale yellowish-brown, black spots.