Sternula antillarum | least tern

Indigenous

The least tern is the smallest of American terns at about 8 inches. They are white with a black eye strip, white head, and black bill. During breading season, they have a yellow bill and black cap. Although rare in Hawaiʻi, a few documented nests have been found but they seem to be increasing on Hawaiʻi Island and are occasionally seen along the Kona coast.