About the Common Tern
The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) 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 comter 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 hirundo |
| Species Codes | comter, COTE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Common Tern belong to?
The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) belongs to the Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers family (Laridae), in the order Charadriiformes.
How can I identify the Common Tern?
The Common 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 Common Tern sighting?
You can log sightings of Common Tern on eBird (ebird.org) using species code comter, or on iNaturalist.
Related Species in Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers 105 species
More Birds in Order Charadriiformes
(c) Kentish Plumber, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)
Quick Stats
Charadriiformes
Order
105
Species in Family
60,100
iNat Observations
Spotted a Common Tern?
Log your sighting on eBird or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier!