About the South American Tern
The South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea) 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 soater1 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 | Sterna hirundinacea |
| Species Codes | soater1, SATE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the South American Tern belong to?
The South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea) belongs to the Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers family (Laridae), in the order Charadriiformes.
How can I identify the South American Tern?
The South American 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 South American Tern sighting?
You can log sightings of South American Tern on eBird (ebird.org) using species code soater1, or on iNaturalist.