Least Tern Courtship – The Slip!

Posted 1 Comment

During a visit to Fort de Soto at the beginning of May, I heard the familiar calls of Least Terns. Their calls take on a particular tone as they perform courtship routines. I dropped to the sand and focused on the birds. Then I started to laugh, as the male repeatedly presented a fish to the female, but wouldn’t let her take it.  She put up with his games for several minutes before giving him the slip!

Least Tern Courtship: The Male Presents the Fish and the Female Gets into Position to Accept It
Least Tern Courtship: The male presents the fish and the female gets into position to accept It
Least Tern Courtship: After the male dangles the fish in her face for a while, the female tries to grab it
Least Tern Courtship: After the male dangles the fish in her face for a while, the female tries to grab it
Least Tern Courtship: The male pretends to offer the fish directly to the female, but never hands it over
Least Tern Courtship: The male pretends to offer the fish directly to the female, but never hands it over
Least Tern Courtship: The female continues to eye the fish...or maybe she's giving the male the evil eye!
Least Tern Courtship: The female continues to eye the fish…or maybe she’s giving the male the evil eye!
Least Tern Courtship: The female shows great patience as the male dances around with the fish
Least Tern Courtship: The female shows great patience as the male dances around with the fish
Least Tern Courtship: Finally the male starts to hand over the fish as he hops onto the female's back
Least Tern Courtship: Finally the male starts to hand over the fish as he hops onto the female’s back
Least Tern Courtship - The female yanks the fish away
Least Tern Courtship: The female yanks the fish away
Least Tern Courtship: At the end, the female scooted out from under the male and ran off with the fish.  She gave him the slip!
Least Tern Courtship: At the end, the female scooted out from under the male and ran off with the fish. She gave him the slip!

Want to learn more about nature photography at Fort De Soto?

Check out my Fort De Soto page with more information about the location, map, website, photography tips, etc. It is archived by date so you can see my images from previous visits. Maybe you'll be inspired for your own trip!

Planning a trip to Florida? Don't miss my Central Florida Bird Photography Locations reference guide!

One thought on “Least Tern Courtship – The Slip!

  1. Another great series of images! I think these two may be lucky to have discovered each others’ true personalities before the relationship goes any further. There are other terns on the beach.

Comments are closed.