Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
The Snowy-crowned Tern is a graceful, medium-sized tern distinguished by its white crown, pale grey upperparts, and black eye-stripe. It breeds in southern South America, including Patagonia, where it is often seen in loose colonies near freshwater lakes and marshes. This species is less coastal than many other terns, preferring inland wetlands and lagoons. Its call is sharp and distinctive, and it is agile in flight, often hovering before diving for prey. The Snowy-crowned Tern is considered uncommon and is sensitive to habitat disturbance, making it a species of interest for conservationists.
Habitat
Prefers freshwater lakes, marshes, and lagoons in open Patagonian landscapes, often far from the coast.
Foraging
Feeds mainly by plunge-diving for small fish and aquatic insects, often foraging in shallow waters.
