Inca Tern

Inca terns are found along the Pacific coast of South America, from

Isla Lobos de Tierra in Peru to Coquimbo in Chile.

The Inca tern has a dark grey body, a red bill and legs, the tips of

the wings are white. Typical is the white moustache-like ornamental

plume below the eye, present both in males and females. Biologists

have found a relationship between the quality of this ornament and

the tern's physical condition and reproductive performance.

Inca terns are not very good swimmers, instead they will often float

on the water. Their diet consists mainly of fish like the Peruvian

anchovy, but they may also feed on lobsters. When they catch fish

they hover over water at a height of about 15 meters, swoop down on

their prey and emerge almost immediately.

Inca terns breed on rocky cliffs, making their nests in sheltered

places like holes and crevices in the ground. Sometimes they use old

nests of Humboldt penguins. One or two eggs are laid, which are

incubated for about 4 weeks. The chicks leave the nest after 7 weeks.

Great viewpoint, very well exposed ! (6/7)

Bellisima imagen Jerri,,`perfecta,,, un cordial saludo ..6/6

Another Outstanding Image. Well Done!!!

Great capture!

Jerry so many times i go...this is your best ever!!!... this is your best ever! What a shot. Beautiful background. Textures are rach out and touch it.... The red the red the red..Jerry i like this one. 7/7

Gorgeous picture! Beautiful bird too.

Beautiful bird indeed! I've never seen this one before.

Another very nice shoot. Bravo Jerry, a superb bird for a superb picture.

Great image..also thanks for educating us on this creature - that was extra bonus