Mixed fortunes for Little Terns

12 Nov 2015

Last month we reported on a successful breeding season for Roseate Terns. It was mixed year for their smaller relative, Little Tern. Nesting on shingle beaches, it is vulnerable to flooding from unseasonal storms, predation by the likes of Hedgehogs, Foxes and Kestrels in addition to disturbance by people.

Breeding numbers in Britain have declined in the last few years; 2015 numbers were down by 15% on last year. The colonies at Winterton (Norfolk) and Kessingland (Suffolk) were completely  abandoned, while the Langstone Harbour (Hampshire) birds only raised 4 chicks. However, with an average lifespan of 12 years, this diminutive tern can recover, given the right conditions. Two colonies had record years: the Little Terns at Kilcoole on the east coast of Ireland raised at least 289 chicks, while the Benacre (Suffolk) birds fledged 180.


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