The African Gull-billed Tern is a medium-sized bird that measures around 33-38 cm in length and has a wingspan of 80-90 cm. It has a white body with a gray mantle and wings. Its bill is black and slightly curved, resembling that of a gull, hence its name. During breeding season, it has a black cap on its head and a black band across its chest. It is commonly found in coastal areas and wetlands throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects.
Characteristics and Facts About African Gull-billed Tern
1. Size: The African Gull-billed Tern is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 33-38 cm in length and weighing around 150-200 grams.
2. Plumage: The bird has a distinctive black cap on its head, a white body, and a black bill. The wings are greyish-brown, and the tail is white with a black band at the end.
3. Habitat: The African Gull-billed Tern is found in coastal areas, estuaries, and inland wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa.
4. Diet: The bird feeds on fish, crustaceans, and insects, which it catches by diving into the water or picking them up from the surface.
5. Behavior: The African Gull-billed Tern is a solitary bird, although it may form small groups during the breeding season. It is known for its distinctive call, which is a harsh, grating sound.
6. Breeding: The bird breeds in colonies on sandy or muddy shores, laying 2-3 eggs in a shallow scrape in the ground.
7. Migration: The African Gull-billed Tern is a migratory bird, spending the winter in southern Africa and returning to its breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere during the summer.
8. Conservation status: The African Gull-billed Tern is classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although its populations are declining due to habitat loss and disturbance.