Inca Tern

scientific name

Larosterna inca

size

16"

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. all gray until ~1 yr. old " then bill & feet orange & face stripe white ("mustache")
Feeding. surface feeders " swoop down to snatch tiny fish from top few inches water (rarely deeper)
Vocalization. high-pitched "laughing" or "cackling" often in conjunction with bowing or other displays

reproduction/life span

Breeding. in caves in guano or under boulders

diet

Wild. anchovies
Zoo. tiny smelt or cut-up smelt & vitamins

habitat/range

coastal islands " Chile & Peru

other

penguins can feed at much greater depths than terns " 2 species can co-exist with little competition

oregon zoo exhibit

Penguinarium