The California Least Tern, Sternula antillarum browni, is a subspecies of Least Tern that breeds primarily in bays of the Pacific Ocean within a very limited range of Southern California, in San Francisco Bay and in and extreme northern Mexico. This migratory bird is a U.S. federally listed endangered subspecies. The total population of the subspecies amounted to 582 breeding pairs in the year 1974, when census work on this bird began. While numb...
more
The California Least Tern, Sternula antillarum browni, is a subspecies of Least Tern that breeds primarily in bays of the Pacific Ocean within a very limited range of Southern California, in San Francisco Bay and in and extreme northern Mexico. This migratory bird is a U.S. federally listed endangered subspecies. The total population of the subspecies amounted to 582 breeding pairs in the year 1974, when census work on this bird began. While numbers have gradually increased with its protected status, the species is still vulnerable to natural disasters or further disturbance by man.
Wintering locations are actually unknown, but suspected to include the South American Pacific Coast.
The California Least Tern arrives at its breeding grounds in late April. Courtship typically takes place removed from the nesting colony site, usually on an exposed tidal flat or beach. Only after courtship has confirmed mate selection does nesting begin by mid-May and is usually complete by mid-June. Nests...
less
