Gull-Billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

Even though the Gull-Billed Tern prefers to remain close to the oceanic coasts of North and South America, it is primarily a terrestrial feeder, often eating insects, crabs and lizards. A recent breeder in San Diego, its residence and breeding activity is closely studied. Its presence here is a mixed blessing; it sometimes preys on the chicks of the endangered California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover.

There are six recognised subspecies of these birds. In Europe, North Africa and the middle-east lives G. n. nilotica. In eastern Asia is found G. n. affinis. G. n. macrotarsa makes its home in Australia. G. n. aranea lives in the eastern USA and south to the Caribbean. G. n. gronvoldi is found in Argentina. The birds found in Southern California belong to the subspecies G. n. vanrossemi.

Pin It — **Gull-billed Tern**

**Description:**
Its not common to be able to photograph groups of Gull-billed terns in flight. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California.
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**Date Taken:** 2009:06:03 14:16

**Location:**

Saltworks
Imperial Beach, California
United States
12.00 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/6000

**File Name:** JCD3556

© 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging

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Gull-Billed Tern - Gelochelidon nilotica — **Gull-Billed Tern**
*(Gelochelidon nilotica)*

**Description:**
Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California.
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**Date Taken:** 2009:06:03 13:51

**Location:**

Saltworks
Imperial Beach, California
United States
0.00 ft below sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000

**File Name:** JCD3443

© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging

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Gull-billed Tern Chicks - Gelochelidon nilotica — **Gull-billed Tern Chicks**
*(Gelochelidon nilotica)*

**Description:**
Brand new generation. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California.
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**Date Taken:** 2009:05:27 13:50

**Location:**

Saltworks
Imperial Beach, California
United States
10.00 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 280 mm, f/6.3, 1/1000

**File Name:** JCD0236

© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com

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Gull-billed Tern Nest - Gelochelidon nilotica — **Gull-billed Tern Nest**
*(Gelochelidon nilotica)*

**Description:**
Gull-billed Tern nests are monitored very closely at the Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California.
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**Date Taken:** 2009:05:27 13:46

**Location:**

Saltworks
Imperial Beach, California
United States
12.00 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 550 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250

**File Name:** JCD0209

© 2009 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com

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