Little Tern

A Little Tern.

This beautiful little tern is unfortunately one of the few species which have disappeared from the fjord. When the population was at its highest there were about 30 pairs. The colonies moved about a good deal over time, the most frequently occupied sites being Eskilsø´s southeastern point – Vædderholm – and Lilleø.


Tern chicks in dried eelgrass.

Three local causes for their decline have been established. One is the flooding of their colony in windy weather, another is the trampling of eggs and young by cattle, and the third and most serious threat is the fox. Since foxes came to Eskilsø in 1996, the Little Tern has not been able to use the island as a breeding ground. There is however reason to believe that the most significant causes of their decline are to be found outside this area, as the same thing has happened in most of Europe.


Ringing a Tern chick that is almost ready to fly.

The only two ringed Little Tern from the fjord whose discovery has been notified were both shot in northern France. Although this is a species which often moves from one breeding ground to another, it is unlikely that it will breed again on Roskilde Fjord.





Key to the Distribution Map.

Little Tern - population trends