The Peruvian tern is a species of tern in the family Laridae. Found in northern Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, its natural habitats are hot deserts, sandy shores, and coastal saline lagoons. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Humboldt Current coast
Typical Environment
Occurs along the arid Pacific coasts of Peru, northern Chile, and southern Ecuador. It frequents hot coastal deserts, sandy beaches, saline lagoons, river mouths, and nearshore waters influenced by upwelling. Breeding colonies are placed on flat, sparsely vegetated sand or gravel plains near the coast, sometimes a few to several kilometers inland. Foraging typically takes place just offshore in calm waters and surf zones where small schooling fish concentrate.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny tern breeds on open coastal deserts, sometimes nesting several kilometers inland on bare sand or gravel where its eggs and chicks blend with the substrate. It forages over cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current, taking small fish in swift plunge-dives. Major threats include off-road vehicles, beach development, introduced predators, and disturbance at breeding sites. Conservation actions focus on protecting nesting areas and managing human access during the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile with quick wingbeats, frequent hovering, and short plunge-dives
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially in small, loose groups on open ground, laying eggs in shallow scrapes lined with shell fragments or pebbles. Both parents incubate and feed the chicks, which rely on camouflage to avoid predators. Outside breeding, small flocks form at feeding hotspots along the coast.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, squeaky notes and sharp, chattering kip-kip sequences given in flight over colonies and feeding areas. Vocalizations become more frequent and insistent during courtship and territorial displays.
