15x9 Oil on Cedar, cut on bias
 
As the name suggests, the least tern is the smallest of the Americas' terns.  Groups often hover near the surface of the water with their quick, flickering wing beats and suddenly drop into the water to catch their supper.  They also may dive deep in a plunge-dive. Least terns nest in colonies on beaches and san bars, but even at times on rooftops.  They are common on the East and Gulf Coasts, but winter in Central America.  Since they live in colonies, they fight off predators as a group.  When intruders enter the nesting area, the defense mechanism  used by the adults is to divebomb and defecate on the offender.