Genus— S T E K N U L A . 
Sternula Boie, Isis 1822, p. 563 . . ► . . . . Type S. albifrms. 
Least Terns, with comparatively long, stout bills, short legs, long wings 
and tails. The bill is longer than the head, but less than twice the length 
of the tarsus, which is about equal to the middle toe and claw. The tail is 
long and forked, but the streamers are generally much less than half the 
length of the wing. Eeet not completely webbed. The diagnostic features 
are the small size, stout bill proportionally, and the webbing of the feet. 
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