Bird
Inca Tern
Larosterna incaInca terns inhabit the rugged, wind-swept sea cliffs of the Humboldt Current, where they nest in deep rock crevices, old penguin burrows, and guano caves. Instantly recognizable by dark slate-grey bodies, crimson bills, and curling white moustaches framing their faces, these agile seabirds plunge-dive for anchovies or snatch spilled fish from feeding pelicans. Their distinct cat-like mews resound across coastal colonies during synchronized courtship displays, where pairs present small fish to strengthen lifelong pair bonds.
SeabirdCoastalPiscivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPeruvian Anchoveta, Silverside, Small Crustaceans
Predators
- Peregrine Falcon
- Feral Cat
- South American Sea Lion
ThreatsCommercial overfishing, El Niño climate events, introduced predators
HabitatsRocky sea cliffs, ocean waters, coastal islands, sea caves
Life span10–15 years
Classification
- OrderCharadriiformes
- FamilyLaridae
- GenusLarosterna
- SpeciesLarosterna inca
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for dark slate-grey plumage, a bright red bill and feet, and prominent white moustachioed facial feathers.
- Support conservation
- Maintain distance from nesting burrows and crevices on sea cliffs, especially during breeding season.
Responsible observation
- Facial Plumes: Look for bright white curly facial feathers that contrast sharply against dark plumage.
- Cliffside Observation: Watch nest crevices from boats or elevated headlands to avoid disturbing colonies.
- Vocalization Cues: Listen for distinctive cat-like mewing calls echoing off coastal rock faces.
Feeding Companion (c) David F. Belmonte, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Nesting Neighbor Bruno Girin from London, United Kingdom / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Kleptoparasitism Host (c) Dan Harville, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Dan Harville · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) marlin harms, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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