About the Black Tern
The Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) is a species of bird in the Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers family (Laridae), within the order Charadriiformes. This family contains 105 recognized species worldwide.
Use the eBird species code blkter when logging sightings in eBird or other citizen science platforms.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers (Laridae) |
| Species | Chlidonias niger |
| Species Codes | blkter, BLTE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Black Tern belong to?
The Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) belongs to the Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers family (Laridae), in the order Charadriiformes.
How can I identify the Black Tern?
The Black Tern is a member of the Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers family. Check field guides or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier for help.
Where can I report a Black Tern sighting?
You can log sightings of Black Tern on eBird (ebird.org) using species code blkter, or on iNaturalist.