Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)

Order: Charadriiformes | Family: Laridae | IUCN Status: Least Concern

gull-billed_tern
Age: Adult, alternate | Sex: Unknown | Loc. North America

gull-billed_tern
Age: Adult, basic | Sex: Unknown | Loc. Venezuela

gull-billed_tern
Age: Adult, basic | Sex: Unknown | Loc. Venezuela

gull-billed_tern
Age: Adult, basic | Sex: Unknown | Loc. North America

Identification & Behavior: ~36.5 cm (14.3 in). The Gull-billed Tern in basic plumage is mostly white with gray upperparts, and a black stripe that projects from the eye. In alternate plumage, the adult has a black cap that extends to the nape area. Its bill is distinctively short, thick, and black. It is distinguished from other terns by relatively short and thick black bill and black feet.

Status: The Gull-billed Tern is a rare Boreal migrant along the coast of Peru. It is present during the months of August through May. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Br.

Name in Spanish: Gaviotín de Pico Negro.

Sub-species: Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica aranea), A. Wilson 1814.

Meaning of Name: Gelochelidon: Gr. Gelao= to laugh and and khelidön= one who swallows, swallower. nilotica: referring to the Nile region in Egypt.

See more of the Family Laridae   peru aves

Distribution Map
gull-billed ternVoice

References:

    • Species range based on: Schulenberg, T. S., D. F. Stotz, and L. Rico. 2006. Distribution maps of the birds of Peru, version 1.0. Environment, Culture & Conservation (ECCo). The Field Museum.  http://fm2.fieldmuseum.org/uw_test/birdsofperu on 01/01/2015.