About the South American Tern

The South American tern (Sterna hirundinacea) is a slender and graceful seabird found along the coasts of South America, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. This species is known for its elegant flight and distinctive appearance.

These terns are agile fliers often seen hovering over the water before plunging to catch fish. They are highly social birds, frequently found in large colonies, especially during the breeding season.

South American terns have a sleek, streamlined body with long, pointed wings and a deeply forked tail. Their greyish-white body, with a black cap on their head and bright red-orange legs and bills, stand out against their pale plumage.

The six species of prions include:

Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur)

Fulmar Prion (Pachyptila crassirostris)

Antarctic Prion (Pachyptila desolata)

Slender-billed Prion (Pachyptila belcheri)

Broad-billed Prion (Pachyptila vittata)

Salvin's Prion (Pachyptila salvini)

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