The Inca tern is a seabird from the family Sternidae, and is the only member of the genus Laro sterna.
The Inca tern belongs to the seagull family, as it resembles a seagull, with some differences between them, such as body and shape.
These birds are considered warm-blooded, as they can live in cold places. It is considered a seabird that has the ability to coexistence according to the prevailing and available ecosystem.!
The Inca has what are called mustaches near the mouth area, where the mustaches appear noticeably above the beak. Which makes this bird very beautiful and magnificent, as these mustaches are not found on any other bird.
In this article in TekeTrek Website, we will introduce you to the most important information related to this object. Follow along with us.
Inca tern specifications
- Size and length:
Inca terns are medium to large in size, reaching about half a meter in length. Its weight is about 180 to 240 grams.
- Feet and wings:
Their feet are webbed, and most species have long, pointed wings and forked tails.
Inca tern had narrow wings, which allowed the bird to stay in the air for a long time without touching the ground
- Color and beak:
The Inca tern is distinguished by its gray color and long red beak.
Relatively speaking, it has medium-length feet that are red in color.!
Young and immature birds are purple in color as they grow slowly.
- the body:
The Inca’s body is covered with unique feathers and is distinguished by its head, which is designed in a way different from that of other birds.
Amazing facts and information about Inca birds
- The Inca tern makes the longest migration of all birds, and it stops to rest during its migration near the water.
- The main threat to extinction for this type of bird is climate change, global warming, and habitat loss.
- These birds’ nest in inland swamps out of fear for their eggs from enemies, as this is the place they consider the Safer.
- Incas are very social birds and are often seen Often with birds of the same species
- Inca terns live from 10 to 20 years Polar birds live 34 days
- The Inca tern is very cute, and a variety of these species can easily be spotted near bodies of water.
- The Inca tern communicated using sounds. They could also use visual or tactile signals along with various body language signals.
- The shape of the female does not differ from the shape of the male in this type of bird, and she has a red beak with a distinctive yellow spot next to it.
- The Inca lives during the day and spends most of its time searching for food in the ocean.
Inca tern food
- These birds feed mainly on small fish that they spot during their flight over the ocean and pounce on them in the water, in addition to marine plankton.
- It follows fishing boats and is often associated with sea lions and whales when feeding, stealing some of the food from marine mammals.
- It feeds by diving from the air and taking prey.
Where do the Incas live?
- These types of birds live in Peru and Chile.
- They prefer to live in oceanic areas affected by the ocean current, which is known as Humboldt Current as
- It also lives on the coast of Ecuador for a rare period.
- These birds love to live near water and oceans because they provide them with a good environment and a main food resource.
- Saltwater causes danger to it, such as poison, but it is distinguished by the presence of glands in the head that distill salt and remove it from the body.
- The Inca tern is found on coasts with rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, and coastal islands as well as offshore islands along Rocky coasts.
Reproduction among Inca terns
- The Inca tern mature Sexually between the ages of 2 and 4 years.!
- The Inca tern build their nests in hollows or burrows, where they choose deep crevices in the rocks where there are many cavities and protection.
- Good through slopes. To protect chicks that hatch in deep holes from predators.
- The female lays 1-3 eggs. Incubation lasts about 3-4 weeks, and the young emerge from the nest after about 35 days.
- Both the male and female work to protect these eggs, incubate them, and nourish the young after they hatch.
- The female Inca bird lays eggs twice a year, between April and July and October and December.
- Nests far from cliffs are more vulnerable to predation by birds of prey and other seabirds
- steal the nests of penguins present in their environment and take them as a trap as some studies have mentioned, Inca birds can survive
Frequently asked questions about Incas
- Is the Inca tern rare?
The Inca tern (Larosterna inca) is a near-threatened bird species in the family Sterninae of the family Laridae, gulls, terns, and skimmers. It is found in Chile, Ecuador and Peru and has wandered into Central America and Hawaii
- How long does the Inca tern live?
Inca terns can live up to 14 years in the wild and up to 20 years under human care.
- How many Inca terns are left?
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population of Inca terns is more than 150,000 individuals.
In the end, it must be noted that many efforts have been made to preserve the Inca bird, as many awareness campaigns have been launched calling for
To protect, care for and care for this bird. Many organizations also protect the coasts and beaches where they live to ensure their continuity Alive.
We also hope that we have provided you with useful and valuable information about this beautiful bird, which indicates the creativity of the Creator
