South American Tern
Sterna hirundinacea
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<birdfyi-bird slug="sterna-hirundinacea"></birdfyi-bird>The South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea) is a bird species in the family Laridae (gulls & terns), within the order Charadriiformes (shorebirds & gulls). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 59.3 cm and a weight of 190.2 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
South American Tern, 40–44 cm, is the largest South American tern, breeding from Peru around Cape Horn to southeastern Brazil. Red bill, grey mantle, black cap. Pelagic and coastal piscivore; strong plunge-diver. Movements poorly known; some populations may migrate north along both coasts.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 59.3 cm | 23.3 in |
| Weight | 190.25 g | 6.71 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 21-23 days. Fledging: 27 days.
Clutch Size
1-3
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls) |
| Family | Laridae (Gulls & Terns) |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | Sterna hirundinacea |
Distribution
South American Tern has been recorded in 3 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the South American Tern endangered?
How does the South American Tern nest?
How big is the South American Tern?
What order and family does the South American Tern belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Laridae family