Scott Hanko
Inca Terns
Larosterna inca
In a simple courtship ritual, the male Inca Tern engages in skillful aerial display to impress the female. He also pursues her in the air with gifts of fish until she finally accepts him. The pair then chooses a nest site unlike most terns, which tend to nest on open ground. Instead, Inca Terns select sheltered nest sites. The birds often return to the same nest site years in a row. The female lays one to three eggs, which the male and female incubate for three to four weeks. Young chicks are then able to fly after 7 weeks.
Sea Bird Aviary
Bronx Zoo New York
Inca Terns
Larosterna inca
In a simple courtship ritual, the male Inca Tern engages in skillful aerial display to impress the female. He also pursues her in the air with gifts of fish until she finally accepts him. The pair then chooses a nest site unlike most terns, which tend to nest on open ground. Instead, Inca Terns select sheltered nest sites. The birds often return to the same nest site years in a row. The female lays one to three eggs, which the male and female incubate for three to four weeks. Young chicks are then able to fly after 7 weeks.
Sea Bird Aviary
Bronx Zoo New York