Thompson, B. C., Jackson, J. J., Burger, J., Hill, L. A., Kirsch, E. M., and
Atwood, J. L., 1997, Least tern (Sterna antillarum), The Birds of North
America: Philadelphia, PA, Academy of Natural Sciences, 32 pp.

Abstract

This species account discusses: distinguishing characteristics, distribution,
systematics, migration, habitat, food habits, vocalizations, behavior
(locomotion, maintenance, agonistic, sexual, social, interspecific), breeding
(phenology, nest site, nest, eggs, incubation, development of the young,
parental care), demography and populations (life span, mortality, dispersal and
philopatry, population status), conservation and management, plumages and
molt, and measurements. There is also a bibliography which lists key
references for additional information. (DBO)

Keywords

migration, ecological distribution, feeding behavior, demography, nature
conservation, reproduction, life history, USA, Sterna antillarum, vocalization
behavior, feeding behaviour, vocalization behaviour, taxonomy, aquatic birds,
migratory species, habitat selection, breeding, INE, USA, California, ASW,
USA, ANW, USA, Least tern