Larosterna inca

(Lesson & Garnot, 1827)

Vernacular names
English : Inca tern
French : Sterne inca

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Charadriiformes
Family : Laridae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach a total length of 42 cm for a weight of 210 g. Unmistakable with its white whisker-like plumes on sides of head and its bright red bill. Plumage slate grey, darker on head with black tail and yellow edges to wings.

Range and habitat
The species is found around coastal regions of western South America, from north Peru to central Chile. Occurs around cliffs near sea, rocky shores and inshore “guano islands”.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species’ numbers can fluctuate greatly in response to occurrence of food (variation are mostly due to El Niño).
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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