The river tern or Indian river tern is a tern in the family Laridae, the largest species currently included in the genus Sterna of typical terns. It is a resident breeder along inland rivers from Pakistan east through the Indian Subcontinent, to Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia, where it is uncommon. Unlike most Sterna terns, it is almost exclusively found on freshwater, rarely venturing even to tidal creeks.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs along large inland rivers and associated wetlands from Pakistan and India through Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Prefers broad, slow to moderate flowing rivers with sandy islands and exposed bars. Also uses freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and irrigation canals but rarely ventures to estuaries and almost never to the open coast. Breeding colonies are typically on low, unvegetated sandbanks that change seasonally with river levels. Post-breeding dispersal follows water levels and fish availability.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Unlike most typical terns, the river tern is almost entirely tied to freshwater, breeding on exposed sandbars in large rivers. It nests in shallow scrapes on sand or gravel islands where colonies are vulnerable to flooding, disturbance, sand mining, and dam operations. Adults perform graceful plunge-dives for fish and give sharp, rasping calls over the water. Conservation concern has risen due to widespread habitat alteration across South and Southeast Asia.
Immature
Adult in flight, Kabini, Karnataka
Catching a fish on the wing.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile with buoyant wingbeats and frequent plunge-dives
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on exposed sandbars and river islands, often in loose groups with spacing between nests. Pairs are monogamous within a season; both sexes incubate and attend chicks. Nests are shallow scrapes with minimal lining, relying on camouflage. Highly protective of colonies, adults mob intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Sharp, rasping, and strident calls, often rendered as kee-ik or kreee given in flight over water and around colonies. Alarm notes become harsher and more rapid near nests or chicks.
