Large-billed Tern
Phaetusa simplex
The Large-billed Tern (Phaetusa simplex) is a uncommon skimmers, noddies, terns, and gull found in 16 countries, weighing about 235 g. The large-billed tern is a species of tern in the family Laridae.
About the Large-billed Tern
The large-billed tern is a species of tern in the family Laridae. It is placed the monotypic genus Phaetusa. It is found in most of South America. It has occurred as a vagrant in Aruba, Bermuda, Cuba, Panama and the United States. Its natural habitats are rivers and freshwater lakes.
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How to identify it
The large-billed tern is large, short-tailed tern with a large yellow bill. It is around 38 cm (15 in) in overall length and weighs 208–247 g (7.3–8.7 oz). The crown and ear-coverts are black, the upperparts are grey, the secondaries, primary coverts, lores and underparts are white. The legs and feet are yellow. A non-breeding adult has a paler crown and forehead.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see it
The Large-billed Tern can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Large-billed Tern?
- The large-billed tern is large, short-tailed tern with a large yellow bill. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Large-billed Tern?
- The Large-billed Tern is a medium sized bird weighing about 235 g.
- Where can you see a Large-billed Tern?
- The Large-billed Tern occurs in 16 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Paraguay.
- What birds look similar to a Large-billed Tern?
- The Large-billed Tern is most easily confused with the Roseate Tern, the White-fronted Tern and the Hartlaub's Gull.
- Is the Large-billed Tern endangered?
- The Large-billed Tern is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Large-billed Tern for real
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