The smallest of the terns of Iberá and one of the smallest in the world: it measures only 20 to 23 cm. The plumage is white with a pale gray back and a black crown with a white stripe on the forehead. The bill is entirely yellow, without a black tip, very characteristic. The wings are gray with black tips. It inhabits clear-water rivers, broad channels and the open water bodies throughout Iberá. It fishes on the wing with dives from on high, an acrobatic spectacle.
Behaviour
Very active and agile. It patrols the water flying at 3 to 10 meters up with its bill pointed down, searching for small fish near the surface. On spotting prey, it briefly hovers and then plunges headfirst, bill first. Very noisy: it gives a sharp, repeated screech.
How and when to see it
Year-round in the rivers and open lagoons. The clear rivers of Portal Río Corriente and Carambola are the best sites. Also frequent in Portal Laguna Iberá.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where yellow-billed tern has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where yellow-billed tern lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0 - Reserva Estero Camba Trapo
Private nature reserve of Ecoposada del Estero, on the Camba Trapo road. One of the…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameYellow-billed Tern
- Scientific nameSternula superciliaris
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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