Gull-billed tern: Red Data Book of Armenia

Terns - Sternidae

Status. A rare species of very limited distribution in Armenia. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU D1.

Distribution. Southern and Central Europe, Asia, North Africa, Australia, Americas.

Distribution in Armenia. Possibly, nestles on the Armash fish ponds, Ararat Province and in the vicinities of the former Lake Gilli, Gegharkunik Province.

Habitats. Salt and clayey lands near the water bodies. Lakes and swamps in mountain grasslands.

Biological traits. In Armenia, it is a migratory species occurring here from April to September. Elsewhere in the range, nests are built on the ground. Eggs (1–4) are laid in late April to early May. The brooding period is 22–23 days.

Population size and its trends. Nesting sites in Armenia are unknown. Recorded in pairs or small flocks of 4–6 individuals.

Major threats. Low numbers. Destruction of suitable nesting sites resulting from human activities. Livestock grazing near the putative nesting sites.

Conservation measures. Not protected. The species demands for urgent protection. It is essential to fence off the nesting sites in the Ararat and Gegharkunik provinces to prevent human and livestock access.