While our mountain retreat offers stunning views of Costa Rica’s verdant highlands, there’s a whole other world teeming with life along the coasts. Today, we set our sights on a fascinating visitor to these salty shores – the Gull-billed Tern.

This isn’t your typical tern. Unlike its fish-diving brethren, the Gull-billed Tern boasts a broader approach to its diet. Spotting one gracefully soaring over the marshes or beaches near our coastal partner retreats is a true treat for birdwatchers.

A Distinctive Look

The Gull-billed Tern is a medium-sized bird, easily identified by its namesake feature – a thick, gull-like bill that’s much sturdier than most terns. Its body is a study in contrasts – pale silvery gray on the upperparts meets bright white underparts. In breeding season, a sharp black cap adds a touch of drama, making it stand out against the lighter gray back.

But wait, there’s more! Keen observers will notice a difference in appearance depending on the season. During breeding season, the black cap takes center stage. But in the non-breeding months, this bold statement piece is replaced by a subtler dark patch behind the eye. Younger birds follow suit, sporting this “winter look” year-round.

A Master of Many Menus

Remember that sturdy bill? It hints at the Gull-billed Tern’s diverse dining habits. Unlike its plunging-for-fish cousins, this tern is an agile aerialist, scooping up small fish from the water’s surface with impressive acrobatic swoops. But that’s not all!

Their diet extends far beyond the aquatic realm. They’re adept hunters on land, snatching crabs, lizards, and even insects from the ground or plucking them mid-flight. They’ve even been known to exhibit a rather opportunistic streak, stealing food from other birds or even preying on the chicks of other tern species.

A Global Traveler with Local Flavor

The Gull-billed Tern is a true citizen of the world, breeding in scattered locations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Here in Costa Rica, you’ll find them along the coasts, particularly near saltmarshes, beaches, and mudflats. While they’re not as common as some other tern species, spotting one is a guaranteed conversation starter among birding enthusiasts.

A Glimpse into the Coastal Ecosystem

The presence of the Gull-billed Tern is a valuable indicator of a healthy coastal ecosystem. Their diverse diet reflects the abundance of prey species in the area, from fish and crustaceans to insects and reptiles.

So, the next time you find yourself on the Costa Rican coast, keep an eye out for these remarkable birds. Their graceful flight, striking plumage, and opportunistic hunting strategies paint a vivid picture of the dynamic life that thrives along the shoreline.

Beyond the Mountains: Exploring Costa Rica’s Avian Diversity

Our mountain retreat may be a haven for peace and tranquility, but Costa Rica’s birding scene offers a vibrant tapestry beyond the highlands. This blog post is just a glimpse into the 952 wonders that await discovery! As we continue this journey, we’ll explore the rainforests, lowlands, and coastlines, encountering a dazzling array of feathered friends along the way. Stay tuned for the next chapter in our Costa Rican avian adventure!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)