Birdsong field guide
Yellow-billed Tern
Sternula superciliaris
A small, freshwater-dwelling tern of South America characterized by its stout yellow bill and pale gray plumage.
What it sounds like
A sharp, metallic 'kwee-it' or a repetitive, high-pitched 'kip-kip-kip'.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- It is the smallest species of tern native to the South American continent.
- Unlike many terns, it is primarily a freshwater species, often found thousands of kilometers inland along major river systems.
- Breeding is timed to the dry season to take advantage of emerging sandbars for nesting sites.
- It is distinguished from the similar Least Tern by its larger, entirely yellow bill that lacks a black tip.
- Foraging involves high-altitude hovering followed by a vertical plunge-dive to capture small fish and crustaceans.
Habitat
Large lowland rivers, freshwater lakes, and marshes with exposed sandbars.
Range
South America, east of the Andes, ranging from Colombia to northern Argentina.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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