Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)**
The Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) is a medium-sized tern known for its distinctive short, thick bill, which sets it apart from other terns. Unlike many of its relatives that primarily hunt over water, the Gull-billed Tern is versatile in its feeding habits, often foraging over fields, marshes, and even dry land. It preys on a variety of food, including insects, small fish, amphibians, and sometimes even small mammals. This adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse habitats, from coastal regions to inland wetlands. During the breeding season, it nests in colonies, often on sandy shores or salt marshes, laying eggs in simple scrapes on the ground. Although its population is stable in some areas, habitat loss and disturbance remain threats in other parts of its range.
NOT EVALUATED | DATA DEFICIENT | LEAST CONCERN** | NEAR THREATENED | VULNERABLE | ENDANGERED | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED | EXTINCT IN THE WILD | EXTINCT |
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NE | DD | LC | NT | VU | EN | CR | EW | EX |