The California Least Tern is a small seabird known for its slender body and pointed wings. It typically measures about 8 to 9 inches in length and has a distinctive black cap on its head, white underparts, and a grayish back. This bird primarily inhabits coastal areas, nesting on sandy beaches and gravelly shores. These terns are known for their agile flight and diving skills, which they use to catch small fish and invertebrates. The California Least Tern is considered a threatened species, largely due to habitat loss and human disturbances. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their nesting sites and ensure their survival.