Bird
Bird
Large-billed Tern
Phaetusa simplex
The Large-billed Tern is a distinctive freshwater tern of Trinidad's rivers and swamps, its oversized, banana-yellow bill and bold black-and-white wing pattern making it unmistakable among the island's waterbirds.
The Large-billed Tern is a distinctive freshwater tern of Trinidad's rivers and swamps, its oversized, banana-yellow bill and bold black-and-white wing pattern making it unmistakable among the island's waterbirds.
Identification
A medium-large tern around 35 to 39 cm long, with a black cap, pale grey back, and a striking wing pattern showing a black outer wing contrasting with a white inner wing panel, conspicuous in flight. Its bill is unusually large, thick, and bright yellow, giving the species its common name and making it one of the most easily identified terns in the region.
Behaviour
Forages over rivers, swamps, and large freshwater bodies, plunge-diving for small fish, and is generally found on inland and estuarine waters rather than the open sea, unlike most terns. It nests colonially on exposed sandbars and mudbanks in rivers, laying eggs in a simple scrape.
Status in T&T
Found along rivers, swamps, and large freshwater and estuarine waters in Trinidad, including the Caroni and Nariva systems. Not considered threatened. It is protected as native wildlife under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
Threats
- Disturbance of exposed sandbar and mudbank nesting sites
