Little Tern - Sterna albifrons

This delightful chattering seabird is the UK's smallest tern. It is short-tailed and has a fast flight. Its bill is a distinctive yellow with a black tip.

Very much a coastal species found around the UK coastline at suitable breeding beaches. Largest colonies found along the east and south coasts of Scotland and England at sites which include: Blakeney Point and Great Yarmouth, Norfolk; Minsmere, Suffolk and Langstone Harbour, Hampshire. It only rarely occurs inland.

Summer visitor to Europe, arriving in April and May. Return migration starts in August and continues into September.

It is noisy at its breeding colony where courtship starts with an aerial display involving the male calling and carrying a fish to attract a mate which chases him up high before he descends, gliding with wings in a 'V'.

About 2,000 pairs breed annually in the UK.

Scarce visitor on passage in Leicestershire & Rutland.