Inca Tern

Dark grey body with white moustachial plumes that curl outwards at the base of the bill. The bill and feet are bright reddish-orange. White tips on the secondary wing feathers are often visible in flight. Juveniles are browner with less distinct white plumes.

Dark grey body, striking curled white mustachial plumes, bright red-orange bill and feet, and white wing-edge tips.

Length: 39-41 cm, Wingspan: approximately 70-80 cm, Weight: 165-215 g

Distinctive cat-like meowing calls, often described as a nasal 'mew' or laughing sound.

Mainly small fish such as anchovies, obtained by plunge-diving into the ocean or snatching prey from the surface.

Coastal marine environments, rocky shores, cliffs, and offshore islands associated with cold, nutrient-rich upwelling currents.

Generally sedentary or a local nomad, moving in response to changes in food availability caused by oceanic currents like El Niño.

Nests in rock crevices, cliff ledges, or abandoned burrows of other animals. Usually lays 1 to 2 eggs, incubated by both parents.

Unmistakable within its range due to the unique white mustaches and bright red bill; no other tern shares this exact combination.

Acts as an important indicator of marine ecosystem health along the Humboldt Current and contributes to guano deposition on coastal islands.

Near Threatened with a decreasing population trend, primarily due to overfishing, El Niño events, and habitat disturbance.

Look along rocky coasts, cliffs, and islands within its South American range, often associating with fishing boats, sea lions, and other seabirds.

The Inca Tern's curling white mustaches actually grow longer and more prominent as the bird ages, signaling maturity to potential mates.