Dapper bird sports striking handlebar moustache reminiscent of Dali's distinctive facial hair



This dapper chap is preened to perfection with its crisp white facial hair resembling a perfect handlebar moustache.



The Inca Tern's curious plumage contrasts with its black body, red beak and yellow facial markings.

Photographer Kathryn Lisko snapped the bird at Milwaukee County Zoo in her home city in Wisconsin, United States.



Distinguished: This Inca Tern was snapped at Milwaukee County Zoo. Its tousled white feathers contrast with its black body, red beak and yellow facial markings Elegant: The photos were taken by wildlife ecology graduate Kathryn Lisko at the Milwaukee County Zoo which she says has been one of her favourite places to go in the last 20 years

The wildlife ecology graduate has been a regular visitor to the zoo for the last two decades.

She said: 'I have visited the aviary many times but never encountered these little terns before.'

Lookalike: The Inca Tern bears a striking resemblance to famous people with handlebar moustaches such as artist Salvador Dali, pictured

'I saw three Inca Terns relaxing on the path and their moustache feathers fascinated me as they posed for photos.

She said one of terns was so tame she was able to walk straight up to it, even when its friends had flown off.



She added: 'After I had taken a series of photos of the tern, a small dabbling duck waddled up the path.



'He scared the tern off so that he could get to a piece of fish nearby on the stones.

'I have never seen a bird with moustache feathers before.



'With my background in ecology, I am well aware that most features on an animal have some sort of purpose, if only as ornamentation to attract mates.

'You have to wonder though, do these interesting feathers hinder the bird in any way? Are they used for more than show?'

The uniquely-decorated birds breed on the coasts of Peru and Chile, restricted to the Humboldt current.

The Inca Tern generally grows to about 41cm long.

The Sexes are similar with immature birds generally being purple-brown, gradually developing the facial plumes.

