Common Gull-billed Tern
Gelochelidon nilotica
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<birdfyi-bird slug="gelochelidon-nilotica"></birdfyi-bird>The Common Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) is a bird species in the family Laridae (gulls & terns), within the order Charadriiformes (shorebirds & gulls). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 61.6 cm and a weight of 214.1 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
Common Gull-billed Tern, 35–38 cm, wingspan 76–86 cm, has a broad global range across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. Stout black bill adapted for catching crabs, insects, and small vertebrates — atypically terrestrial for a tern. Summers in marshes and steppes; winters on tropical coasts.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 61.6 cm | 24.3 in |
| Weight | 214.075 g | 7.55 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 22-23 days. Fledging: 28-35 days.
Clutch Size
1-3
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls) |
| Family | Laridae (Gulls & Terns) |
| Genus | Gelochelidon |
| Species | Gelochelidon nilotica |
Distribution
Common Gull-billed Tern has been recorded in 7 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Common Gull-billed Tern endangered?
How does the Common Gull-billed Tern nest?
How big is the Common Gull-billed Tern?
What order and family does the Common Gull-billed Tern belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Laridae family