The Mustached Bird, Inca Tern

While the beer brand Dos Equis can proudly proclaim that they have "The Most Interesting Man in the World," in the bird world, the mustache sporting Inca Tern easily takes that title (just substitute "bird" for "man"). Found along the rocky Pacific coastline, from northern Peru south to central Chile, the uniquely plumaged bird is easily recognizable for its dark grey body, its red-orange beak and feet and, of course, that curling white mustache.

Sadly, its population has decreased at a rapid rate due to the loss of suitable nesting areas. They're only an estimated 150,000 left, classifying them as near threatened.

Taken by a selection of photographers, here are some of our photos featuring these magnificently mustached bird.
Photo credit: Ellen van Yperen

Airplane Restaurant, Costa Rica

Located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, the Hotel Costa Verda refurbished a Boeing 727 and built a luxury hotel room within it's fuselage.

A Chinese man proposes to girlfriend with dress made from 9,999 real red roses.

 Yin Mi being proposed to by her boyfriend in the gown made of 9,999 roses at Chime-Long Paradise amusement park in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong

Dressmakers worked around the clock to prepare the garment, and Yin Mi patiently waited as it was adjusted on the day.
She topped the creation with an ivory-white fur shrug and clutched a vibrant stem of yellow orchids. 
 

The couple caught the eye of onlookers as they took to the grounds of Chime-Long Paradise amusement park in the southern province of Guangdong.
It is where Mr Fan first met Yin Mi three years ago when she was crowned Miss Bikini 2009.
And judging by the dazzling engagement ring on her finger, Ms Mi accepted the proposal.

 Blushing bride: Dressmakers prepared Ms Mi for the occasion carefully stitching the 9,999 red rose blossoms together

 Ms Mi topped the impressive creation with an ivory-white fur shrug and clutched a vibrant stem of yellow orchids

But there was a reason for Mr Fan's order of 9,999 roses.
The number nine represents 'forever' in Chinese culture and in Beijing's Forbidden City- the most well-preserved imperial palace in China - the emperor is said to have requested 9,999 rooms to be built.
According to legend the number 10,000 was reserved for gods, therefore the emperor believed the number 9,999 would take him closer to heaven and bring him good luck.
Meanwhile the orchid is known to symbolise love, beauty, refinement, fertility, virtue and maturity.