August 5, 1804, along the Missouri River, with Washington County, Nebraska, on the west and Harrison County, Iowa, on the east.

A very small tern with a black-tipped yellow bill and a fast, shallow wing beat. White with black cap, pale gray back and wings, and forked tail; white forehead. Length: 8-10 in (20-25 cm).

Sharp killick or kip-kip-kip-kiddeek.

Sandy and pebbly beaches along the coast; sandbars in large rivers. Often on landfill.

Breeds along California coast, along rivers in Mississippi Valley, and coastally from Maine south to Florida. Winters from Baja California south to southern Mexico; also along coasts of South America.

The least tern is on the U.S. Endangered Species List.