The South American tern is a species of tern found in coastal regions of southern South America, including the Falkland Islands, ranging north to Peru and Brazil. It is generally the most common tern in its range. The smaller, highly migratory common tern closely resembles it. The specific epithet refers to the "swallow-like" forked tail feathering.
Region
Southern South America and adjacent Atlantic and Pacific coasts
Typical Environment
Breeds from southern Chile and Argentina, including Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands, and ranges north along the Pacific to Peru and along the Atlantic to southeastern Brazil and Uruguay. Occupies coastal habitats such as sandy and shingle beaches, rocky headlands, estuaries, and offshore islands. Forages over nearshore waters, surf zones, and tidal rips, often where upwelling concentrates small fish. Nonbreeding birds disperse along coasts, sometimes moving to warmer subtropical waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The South American tern is among the most common terns along the southern coasts of South America and the Falkland Islands. It closely resembles the common tern but is larger with a deeper forked tail and a redder bill with a dark tip in breeding plumage. Highly colonial, it nests on beaches and offshore islands and aggressively mobs intruders near colonies. Its specific epithet, hirundinacea, refers to its swallow-like forked tail.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile flier with quick wingbeats and frequent hovering; plunge-dives
Social Behavior
Nests in dense colonies on beaches and islands, often forming ground scrapes lined with pebbles or vegetation. Pairs are typically monogamous, and males court females by presenting small fish. Adults vigorously mob predators and intruders near the colony.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are sharp, rasping kerr and kek notes, often given in rapid series over colonies. In flight it gives high-pitched kree or kree-eek calls that carry over surf noise.
