The yellow-billed tern is a small seabird found in South America. It is a species of tern in the family Laridae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are rivers, swamps, and freshwater lakes.
Region
Amazon and Orinoco basins, Guianas, and adjacent lowlands into Panama and Trinidad
Typical Environment
It inhabits large tropical river systems, oxbow lakes, floodplain lagoons, and freshwater wetlands. Breeding typically occurs on sandy or gravelly bars and beaches within broad river channels, where open substrate and sparse vegetation are available. Outside the breeding season it also uses estuaries, reservoirs, and occasionally coastal beaches, but it remains strongly tied to freshwater. The species ranges widely across northern and central South America, including Argentina north to Panama and Trinidad.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-billed tern is a petite riverine tern recognized by its bright yellow bill and neat black cap with a contrasting white forehead. It often nests colonially on exposed sandy river islands, timing breeding with seasonal low-water periods. Human disturbance, sand mining, and river regulation can impact its nesting success.
Sternula superciliaris hovering while foraging over the Amazon River near Puerto Nariño, Colombia
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with hovering and quick plunge-dives
Social Behavior
Typically breeds in loose to moderate colonies on open sandbars, where pairs scrape shallow nests in the substrate. Pairs are seasonally monogamous and defend small territories near the nest. Adults perform distraction displays to deter predators and will mob intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, sharp, and piping, often given in flight over colonies and foraging areas. Alarm calls become rapid and insistent when predators approach the nest. Contact calls are short, squeaky notes exchanged between mates and colony members.
