Least terns are the smallest tern species found in North America and breed locally along the Pacific coast from central California to Baja, the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Maine to Texas, along major rivers of the Interior U.S. and in the coastal Caribbean.

Least tern population estimates for Florida are around 10,000 individuals. They are a summer residents and breeder, arriving in late March/early April and leaving in late August/early September to return to their wintering ground in Mexico and Central and South America. They nest in colonies ranging from several nests to many hundreds and prefer wide, sandy beaches that are high enough to avoid tidal overwash, have sparse vegetation that provides shade but does not harbor predators, and receive minimal disturbance from human activity. Beaches that meet these requirements are fast disappearing from Florida’s coast. Least terns will also nest around large lakes in Central Florida and on flat, gravel-covered rooftops. Site fidelity is high but affected by loss and alteration of the preferred habitat, increased disturbance and failure to fledge young.

Pair bonds are formed immediately after arrival at the colony site followed by a 2-3 week courtship when males offer and feed fish to females. The “nest” is a small scrape made directly in the sand or shell into which 2-3 cream colored eggs with brown blotches are laid. Incubation lasts approximately 21 days and during this critical period, parents provide needed shade and nest protection. Re-nesting will often occur if the first nest is lost early in the season. At hatching, the feathered chicks are are mobile after 3-4 days but are dependent on parents providing their diet of small fish.  After 4 weeks, young least terns are able to fly on their own (fledge) and with the adults, will leave the colony to migrate south at summer’s end.

With more people living and playing along Florida’s shoreline, protecting critical beach habitat for wildlife becomes an increasing challenge. Plus coastal change events, such as extreme high tides or tropical storms, produce enough heavy surf and high tides that can wash away scores of freshly laid eggs.

Two important coastal nesting areas within Rookery Bay Reserve are Key (Keewaydin) Island, an unbridged barrier island between Naples and Marco Island and Second Chance, an emergent sandbar 0.8 miles SW of Cape Romano.

These areas also serves as a popular recreation spot for boaters, fishing enthusiasts, beachcombers and campers, posing a greater challenge for land managers trying to balance the competition between wildlife and people for limited coastal resources.

Florida Wildlife Commission tips for helping protect endangered shorebirds during nesting season from now through August:

Keep your distance. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. Stay at least 300 feet from a nest.

Respect posted areas. Some shorebird nesting areas are posted with "symbolic fencing" such as signs on posts connected by twine marked with flagging tape. Avoid marked nesting areas and cross only at designated pathways. Posted beach areas may shift during the nesting season, depending on where the birds have chosen to lay eggs.

Never intentionally force birds to fly. When birds are chased or disturbed, they use energy they need for nesting and migration.

Keep pets away from nesting areas. Even well-behaved pets can be perceived as a threat. Take pets to the beach only on a leash.

Do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators such as raccoons, gulls and crows. Litter can entangle birds, sea turtles and other wildlife.

If people disturb nesting birds, gently let them know how their actions may hurt the birds' survival. If they continue to disturb nesting birds, report the activities to the FWC's Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on your cell phone or by texting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

More Information on Shorebird Monitoring