Photo: David F. Belmonte / CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Peruvian Tern
Sternula lorata
Peruvian Tern (Sternula lorata) — Shorebirds, Gulls & Auks of South America.
Found across 4 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Peruvian Tern (Sternula lorata) is a member of the Laridae family found in South America. Adults weigh 53.8 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Endangered.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Charadriiformes
- Family Laridae Gulls, Terns, Skimmers
- Genus Sternula
- Species lorata
Quick facts
- Weight
- 53.8 g
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Laridae
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Peruvian Tern hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of coastal habitats, it is highly aerial, spending much of its time on the wing.
Migration
The Peruvian Tern is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
The Peruvian Tern (Sternula lorata) is a member of the Laridae family, within the order Charadriiformes. It is found across South America. Its distribution covers SA coasts c Ecuador to n Chile.
It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 53.8 g, with a wing length of about 17.4 cm and a tail of around 7.4 cm.
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 21 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Peruvian Tern?
The Peruvian Tern is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 53.8 g.
Where does the Peruvian Tern live?
The Peruvian Tern is found across South America with a range covering SA coasts c Ecuador to n Chile, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Peruvian Tern belong to?
The Peruvian Tern (Sternula lorata) belongs to the Laridae family, in the order Charadriiformes.
What does the Peruvian Tern eat?
The Peruvian Tern hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Peruvian Tern migrate?
The Peruvian Tern is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
Is the Peruvian Tern endangered?
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
How large is the Peruvian Tern's range?
The Peruvian Tern has a mapped global range of about 21 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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