Large-billed Tern

Overview

The large-billed tern (Phaetusa simplex) is a species of tern in the family Laridae and the only member of the genus Phaetusa. It is a large, short-tailed bird classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Large, short-tailed tern measuring approximately 38 cm in length with a weight of 208–247 g.
• Features a large yellow bill and yellow legs and feet.
• Plumage includes a black crown and ear-coverts, grey upperparts, and white secondaries, primary coverts, lores, and underparts.
• Non-breeding adults display a paler crown and forehead.

Habitat

The species is found in most of South America, specifically east of the Andes and north of the Pampas, with natural habitats consisting of rivers and freshwater lakes. It has occasionally occurred as a vagrant in Aruba, Bermuda, Cuba, Panama, and the United States.