Nature’s full of beautifully unique creatures across all corners of the globe, such as Larosterna inca, otherwise known as the Inca tern.

The Inca tern’s more than an unusual bird. Its unique adaptations have left it looking utterly wacky and goofy to the human eye.

In fact, the species sports facial hair reminiscent of famed painter Salvador Dali – a truly ridiculous handlebar mustache.

The Inca tern’s long stache slides right off its face on both sides, curving on the ends.

Aside from the orange feet and beak, the resemblance is truly uncanny.

Inca terns are found along the coasts of Peru and Chile, nestled along the local shoreline cliffs and islands, specifically near the cold waters of the Pacific’s Humboldt Current. Generally, they nest in colonies of thousands.

Their name derives from the Inca Empire, once-rulers of their modern habitat.

Inca tern males and females are identical, without any discernible difference between the two. Other bird species have easily-spottable differences between genders.

Scientists believe that the size of their “mustaches” is indicative of health when selecting a mate.

They’re also known for their bright red (and sometimes orange) beaks and feet. They’re no blue-footed booby, but every bit as unique.

Pairs tend to stay together for the entirety of a breeding season, but that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily be together the next mating season. Both genders take active roles in incubating the eggs. Some return to the same exact nesting grounds year after year.

As it stands, Inca terns aren’t endangered, but they are designated as a near-threatened species. If we’re not careful, they won’t be around for that much longer. Scientists already assert that we’re smack in the middle of Earth’s sixth massive extinction event. Human activity has accelerated processes that would otherwise take thousands of years.

The ongoing guano trade has threatened their coastal habitats. Their ecosystems are incredibly rich in guano deposits used for fertilizer. Nesting sites are often destroyed unknowingly by prospecting humans. The decline of local fish stocks due to overfishing presents the biggest hurdle to survival.

Let’s get it together, humanity.

To make matters worse, invasive species like cats have decimated the islands, wholly eliminating some species in the process. Their presence has adversely affected Inca tern nests and breeding rates.

Inca terns have a pretty simple diet. These seafarers prey predominately on small fish and anchovies via surface dipping and plunge-diving. They’re in direct competition for food with human fisheries. They’re also known to scavenge for scraps left from dolphins and fishing boats.

They’re further noted for their unique bird calls and caws. Some liken their tones to kittens.

Inca terns are beautiful birds with a variety of unique characteristics. Unfortunately, they face obstacles. Humans continue to threaten their habitats and overall prosperity. Fortunately, it’s not too late for them, but the window appears to be closing.

The American Bird Conservancy estimates that only about 150,000 members of the species exist in the wild, nestled along the coasts of Peru and Chile. Fortunately, the Peruvian government established the Guano Islands and Capes National Reserve to protect vulnerable Inca terns and sea lions along the nation’s coast.

All in all, the Inca tern’s an interesting species of bird. Its slick mustache depicts nature at its finest.

Dali would be jealous.

But like countless other species across the globe, we need to take action to ensure their long-term survival.

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Source: Diply, National Museum of American History, American Bird Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy