Native Bird That Looks Like Salvador Dali Is Strikingly Beautiful
Some birds are beautiful, and then some birds look like they stepped straight out of a surrealist painting. The Inca Tern is one of those rare species, with a face that instantly brings Salvador Dali to mind.
Found along the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile, this seabird stands out for its dark gray body, red-orange beak and feet, and that unmistakable white mustache. It shares coastal habitats with ancient Inca lands, and its unusual look makes it hard to forget.
That striking appearance is only part of the story, though, because the bird is also facing a real conservation challenge.
The Inca Tern is one of the many birds that are characterized by diverse features, including a long white mustache that looks just like the one on Salvador Dali.
Because of its great handlebar mustache, it is commonly compared to the iconic Spanish artist, Salvador Dali.
With fewer than 10 vaquita left, this rare mammal’s survival crisis matches the Inca Tern’s cliffside vulnerability.
They are typically found along the Pacific coast of Chile and Peru, within nests on coastal cliffs and in small islands along the shore.
Their name is derived from the Inca Empire, which once ruled the land where these birds live. They are mostly found in the cold waters of the Humboldt Current, where they feed on small fish and anchovies.
Just like Least Terns, these birds tend to dive and dip at the surface when targeting their prey. They also like to steal or scavenge food from dolphins, sea lions, and some fishing boats.
One reason their population has been declining is due to the decreasing fish stock.
Their long white mustache aside, they also have other striking features such as their yellow wattles and bright red feet and beaks.
Unlike most birds, Inca Terns look exactly the same as males and females. They all wear the same plumage and the same mustache.
The mustache is said to be an indicator of their health status, which is important when they are choosing their mate. The pairs stay together throughout the breeding season—however, mates usually do not return together the following year.
Their calls are often described as the sound of a kitten, a loud "mew."
Unfortunately, Inca Terns have already been tagged as near-threatened species. Let us hope that the conservation efforts currently being made will be enough to save them from becoming endangered in the near future.
Comment down your thoughts, or share this peculiar bird with all your family and friends to see!
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