Inca Tern

Inca Tern - Spec. Name:  Larosterna Inca 

This is a seabird in the family Sternidae. It is the only member of the genus Larosterna.

This uniquely-plumaged bird breeds on the coasts of Peru and Chile, and is restricted to the Humboldt current. It can be identified by its dark grey body, white moustache on the both sides of its head, and red-orange beak and feet.

Inca Tern

The Inca Tern is a large tern, 41cm long. Sexes are similar; the adult is mostly slate-grey with white restricted to the facial plumes and the trailing edges of the wings. The large bill and legs are dark red. Immature birds are purple-brown, and gradually develop the facial plumes.

The Inca Tern breeds on rocky cliffs. It nests in a hollow or burrow or sometimes the old nest of a Humboldt Penguin, and lays one or two eggs. The eggs are incubated for about 4 weeks, and the chicks leave the nest after 7 weeks.

The Inca Tern is a graceful flier but is not a strong swimmer, its webbed feet are too small to propel it through the water effectively. It is, however, able to float on the surface. The Inca Tern fishes for its prey by hovering over water at a height of around 50 feet. The bird then swoops down and emerges almost immediately with its catch. In addition, the birds hover in a big flock when sea lions haul out onto rocks in order to eat. Stealing half chewed fish from the sea lions.The Inca Tern specializes in a high-pitched “laughing” or “cackling” call, often in conjunction with bowing or other gestures.

The displayed photograph I took while visiting fishing town and Resort of Ancon, Peru