General Information  
The Black-Bellied Tern measures around 32 to 35 cm (13 to 14 inches) in length. It has long wings, though its flight is characterized by slow, frequent flapping. The species also features a long tail and a slender orange bill. During the breeding season, adults have a fully black cap, a dark grey breast, and black vent and belly with long outer tail features. In contrast, non-breeding adults exhibit a paler belly, a solid black patch on the nape, reduced black markings on the crown, and lack the tail streamers. Their orange bill also has a dark tip outside the breeding season. Juveniles have dark mask and streaking on    the crown and nape.

This tern breeds on sandpits or gravel islands found in large rivers, marshes and lakes, occasionally on smaller pools and ditches, in lowlands (but not on the coast). They forage across a variety of wetland habitats. It feeds by skimming over the water or ground to capture insects and diving at an angle to catch crustaceans, tadpoles, and small fish. The breeding season typically occurs from February to April. Its call is a clear piping peuo.

Threats
- Destruction of breeding habitat, as the islands and sand spits in larger rivers are being increasingly cultivated.
- Increased disturbance and pollution from industry and agriculture.
- Predation by dogs, cats and corvids and collection of eggs for food.
- Over-harvesting of wetland products, such as water extraction, sand and gravel extraction for development and fishing.
- Flooding of nests, often caused by dams.