Among all the diverse species of birds on earth, the Inca tern is certainly one of the most impressive.
The Inca tern is a bird with a very dashing handlebar moustache. That’s right, it has a moustache.
The moustache, though impressive, is not just decorative. It also serves a purpose.
The longer it is, the healthier the bird is. This makes them more attractive to the opposite gender.
It’s commonly compared to the iconic facial hair of Salvador Dali, which is a perfect reference.
As a species, the Inca tern can be found along the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. They prefer to nest on coastal cliffs and the many small islands along the shore.
These birds get their name from the Inca Empire, which once ruled over the land they live in.
Aside from their distinct moustaches, they have yellow wattles and bright red beaks and feet.
Unlike many birds, the Inca terns look exactly the same no matter the gender. They both wear the same plumage.
Pairs tend to stay together throughout the breeding season, though they do not return to the same mate the following year.
The Inca tern is also known for its cat-like calls.
It’s described as a “mew” similar to a kitten, though a loud one. Especially since these unique birds hang out in large colonies, they can get pretty noisy.
Unfortunately, due to declining fish stocks, Inca terns are listed as a near-threatened species.
Their diet consists of anchovies and other small fish. They compete with human fisheries for food.
Hopefully, conservation efforts will protect them from becoming endangered in the future.
