Gull-billed Tern in its natural habitat
Common rarity

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

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StatusNative
RarityCommon
Height36 cm

Did You Know?

1 Fact
1

"Gull-billed Terns often catch flying insects in mid-air, using flight techniques similar to swallows."

Field Guide

Gull-billed Tern

4 sections

The Gull-billed Tern is a robust, medium-sized tern recognised for its unusual hunting style among terns. Unlike most of its relatives, which specialise in fishing, this species forages over marshes, mudflats, and even farmland, preying on insects, crabs, and small vertebrates. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in a wide range of wetland habitats, from coastal saltmarshes to inland lakes and temporary floodwaters.

Distribution Map

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