Inca Tern: A Seabird with a Mustache

The Inca tern (Inca tern) is an unusual and very attractive bird from the gull family. It inhabits the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile and got its name due to its connection with the historical territory of the ancient Inca empire.

The distinctive feature of these birds is the white “mustache,” which is particularly noticeable against their dark-gray plumage.

Appearance and features of the “mustache”

Adult Inca terns grow to about 40 cm in length. Their feathers are painted in an elegant gray color, and their beak and legs usually have a bright reddish or orange-red hue. But the main “highlight” in the appearance of this tern is the white curved feathers on the sides of the head, resembling a mustache. These “mustaches” play an important role in social interaction among birds and help them demonstrate health and status.

Habitat and behavior

Inca terns mainly settle on coastal cliffs and islands where they easily find nesting spots. Their nests are most often located in a crevice or a dug-out niche in the rocks. These birds often form large colonies, which enhances the protection of eggs and chicks from predators.

The diet of Inca terns primarily consists of small fish, including anchovies and other schooling species. During hunting, they spectacularly dive towards the sea surface, much like many gulls. They can also be found near fish processing facilities or ports, where fish remnants accumulate in the water.

Reproduction

Once a year, females lay an average of 1–2 eggs. During the nesting period, partners take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. As with many colonial birds, “group life” helps young Inca terns survive early on through collective danger signaling and joint colony defense.

Practical tips for bird enthusiasts

If you find yourself on the coast of Peru or Chile, be sure to visit coastal cliffs and protected areas. Here you can observe the spectacular “mustachioed” Inca terns in their natural environment. If you are into photography, consider using a powerful zoom: Inca terns are cautious and do not allow humans to get too close.

Thanks to their unique appearance and interesting behaviors, Inca terns attract the attention of ornithologists and tourists worldwide. Preserving the population of these “mustachioed” birds depends on the sustainable use of marine resources and the careful treatment of coastal ecosystems.

Wild Inca tern