Charadriiformes / Laridae / Gelochelidon
Gull-billed Tern
Gelochelidon nilotica · 鸥嘴噪鸥
Introduction
A tern in the family Laridae, widely distributed with breeding localities in Europe, Asia, northwest Africa, and the Americas. Distinctive for its short thick gull-like bill, broad wings, and feeding habits that resemble marsh terns rather than typical plunge-diving terns.
Description
Fairly large and powerful, measuring 33–42 cm (13–17 in) in length with a wingspan of 76–91 cm (30–36 in). Body mass ranges from 150–292 g (5.3–10.3 oz). Features a short thick gull-like bill, broad wings, long legs, and a robust body. Summer adults have grey upperparts, white underparts, a black cap, strong black bill, and black legs. In winter, the cap is lost, replaced by a dark patch through the eye. Juveniles have a fainter mask but otherwise resemble winter adults.
Identification
Distinguished from similar-sized Sandwich terns by the short thick bill, broad wings, and robust build. Winter plumage shows a dark eye patch similar to Forster's tern or Mediterranean gull. Juvenile Sandwich terns may be mistaken for this species due to their shorter bills, particularly where this species is uncommon. Characteristic call is ker-wik.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeds in southern Europe, temperate and eastern Asia, both coasts of North America, and eastern South America. Northern breeders are migratory, wintering in Africa, the Caribbean, northern South America, southern Asia, and New Zealand. Exhibits post-breeding dispersal across its range.
Behavior & Ecology
Breeds in colonies on lakes, marshes, and coasts, nesting in ground scrapes and laying two to five eggs. Primarily associated with freshwater in Eurasia but coastal saltwater in North America. Feeds largely on insects taken in flight, also hunting amphibians and small mammals over wet fields and brushy areas. Does not normally plunge dive; opportunistic feeder observed picking up dead dragonflies from roads.
Conservation
One of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Laridae
- Genus
- Gelochelidon
Vocalizations
Subspecies (5)
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Gelochelidon nilotica affinis
breeds from southeastern Siberia southward to eastern and southeastern China (Bohai Gulf to Guangdong); winters mainly in southeastern Asia, some reaching the Indian subcontinent and northern Australia
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
