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South American Tern

Sterna hirundinacea

Least Concern
Wingspan
59.3 cm
Weight
190.25 g
Family
Laridae
Order
Charadriiformes

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

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

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.

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Present Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the South American Tern endangered?
The South American Tern has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the South American Tern nest?
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 21-23 days. Fledging: 27 days.
How big is the South American Tern?
The South American Tern has a wingspan of 59.3 cm, weight of 190.25 g.
What order and family does the South American Tern belong to?
The South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea) belongs to the order Charadriiformes and the family Laridae.

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