The Inca Tern is listed as Near Threatened on the official IUCN Red List site due to a decreasing population trend. It is native along the coasts of Peru all the way south to Central Chile. It breeds mainly on cliffs and islands in appropriate holes or cavities. This tern feeds (in large flocks) mainly on fish such anchovies, mote sculpin and silversides whereby it requires on coastal upwelling to bring the food from the Humboldt current (it will also consume invertebrates). It dives into the water to catch its prey. The population fluctuates regularly due to storms and El Niño events (which reduce the anchovies -its favourite food source). This is a special bird as it is the sole member of the Larosterna genus (Larosterna Inca).
@robcrank68.bsky.social main #BirdOfTheDay theme is #WaterDroplets. Here is a captive #Inca #tern taking off from the #water and stirring up #droplets. #birds #bird #photography #photo 🪶 Please see the ALT text for more information on this #species.