Inca Tern
Inca Tern
The Inca Tern (Larosterna inca) is a tern in the family Laridae. It is the only member of the genus Larosterna.
This uniquely plumaged bird breeds on the coasts of Peru and Chile, and is restricted to the Humboldt Current. It is an erratic, rare visitor to the southwest coast of Ecuador. It can be identified by its dark grey body, white moustache on both sides of its head, and red-orange beak and feet.
The Inca tern is a large tern, approximately 40 cm (16 in) long. Sexes are similar; the adult is mostly slate-grey with white restricted to the facial plumes and the trailing edges of the wings. The large bill and legs are dark red. Immature birds are purple-brown, and gradually develop the facial plumes.
Photo Gallery
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
What a beautiful, unique bird, love that white mustache! Awesome shots, HJ! 🙂
Yes, that was in my mind years ago when I saw this bid the first time. Thanks Donna. 🙂
What a splendid bird.
It is indeed! Thanks Susan. 🙂
An interesting bird HJ I have not seen before in the Tern family, thanks for sharing it.
It’s endemic to three countries in South America only. Thanks Ashley. 🙂
What a fabulous bird!
Yes, it’s quite a “looker” Thanks Clare. 🙂
🙂
Such brilliant facial markings!
Thank you! 🙂
Una magnifica apertura alare….
Un saluto,silvia
Grazie mille. Un saluto. 🙂
What beauties, H. J.!
Thank you Tanja! 🙂