The Inca Tern is a seabird in the family Sternidae. It is the only member of the genus Larosterna. Terns are seabirds that are related to gulls and skimmers. They are medium-sized and very graceful. It is easy to differentiate them from the gulls by their somewhat smaller size and forked tails.
This uniquely plumaged bird breeds on the coasts of Peru and Chile, and is restricted to the Humboldt current. It can be identified by its dark grey body, white moustache on the both sides of its head, and red-orange beak and feet.
The Inca Tern breeds on rocky cliffs. It nests in a hollow or burrow or sometimes the old nest of a Humboldt Penguin, and lays one or two eggs. The eggs are incubated for about 4 weeks, and the chicks leave the nest after 7 weeks.
The Inca tern feeds primarily on small fish, such as anchovies. The species spots its prey from the air, diving into the water to grab meals with its pointed beak. Its call is a cat-like mew.



























































