Gull-Billed Tern - (Sterna nilotica)

In the western part of the United States, this Tern is only found here at the Salton Sea - where it is known to breed. Since its diet includes insects, it must find the Imperial Valley a great place for catching bugs to feed growing chicks. More common on the East and Gulf Coasts, these birds are also found in Africa, Eurasia, and Australia! Look for its black gull-like bill and legs to distinguish it from other local terns such as Forster's and Caspian Terns. It also does not dive into the water like the other terns.

If you are interested in learning more about this bird online - I recommend you start with the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.html

They present photographs, songs, identification tips, maps, and life history information for North American birds - including the Gull-Billed Tern

OTHER OUTSIDE LINKS FOR THIS BIRD:

Will the Tide Tern? - Investigative report displayed by the University of Virginia on the decline of nesting populations of the Gull-Billed Tern.

Return to "IV THE BIRDS"

This site is maintained by:

Eldon R. Caldwell
Imperial Valley College
Email: eldonc@imperial.cc.ca.us