Where to see
Where to see the Gull-billed Tern in South Africa
The gull-billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica), formerly Sterna nilotica, is a tern in the family Laridae.
Gelochelidon nilotica · Least Concern
Planning a trip
When and where to find the Gull-billed Tern
Best hours of the day
- The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
- Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.
IUCN Red List
Least Concern
Species
Gelochelidon nilotica
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the Gull-billed Tern on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
What is the conservation status of the Gull-billed Tern?
The Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
What is the Gull-billed Tern?
The gull-billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica), formerly Sterna nilotica, is a tern in the family Laridae. It is now considered to be in its own genus. The genus name is from Ancient Greek gelao, "to laugh", and khelidon, "swallow". The specific niloticus is from Latin and means of the Nile.
Stays that give back
Where to stay for a chance to see the Gull-billed Tern
Every stay on the Gull-billed Tern page lists the species its host has recorded on or near the property. A record is a sighting, never a promise.
See where to stay