Large-billed Tern

Overview
Large-billed Tern: Dark gray mantle and short dark gray tail; black cap; white breast, belly, chin, cheeks, and throat; black primaries to the bend of the wing are striking in flight; white secondaries; distinctive large yellow bill. Yellow legs, feet. Direct flight with strong shallow wing beats.

Range and Habitat
Large-billed Tern: South American fresh water species; has been seen in Illinois, Ohio, and New Jersey.

INTERESTING FACTS
The Large-billed Tern was first described in 1789 by Johann Friedrich Gmelin, the German naturalist, botanist and entomologist. These noisy birds are often captured by indigenous peoples of South America to serve as pets. Though they are usually found singly or in pairs, when resting they may aggregate in small flocks. A group of terns are collectively known as a "ternery" or a "U" of terns.