Least Terns aren’t called that because there aren’t many of them. Though they were almost hunted to extinction. In the late 1800’s Least Terns were used to decorate hats. Sometimes as many as 100,000 a day were killed. All so every stylish lady could have one sitting on her head. You have to wonder who thought that was a good idea.
No, they are called “least” because they are small. About nine inches is all. With a cute little white triangle on their forehead.
There still aren’t many of them. About 1700 pair on the Pacific Coast. But ornithologists are calling it a comeback of sorts.
The meaning of "tern" dates much earlier. It comes from an 8th century English word: stearn. Which may have derived from pern in Old Nordic.
Both meant tern. : )
Here is a link to some cool photos on Wikipedia: Least Tern
