Bird · GBIF taxon 2481125
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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Peruvian 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
Size / weightNot available
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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